Are Humans Inherently Evil?
7. No: We Are Socialised
The beady-eyed amongst you will have noticed that we've already had this argument in the "Yes" camp, so what gives?
Right, so the idea that we're socialised can actually count both for and against us. On the one hand, we have to put rules in place to protect ourselves from our own evil urges (boo), but on the other hand, isn't it wonderful that we've invented a system to keep one another safe? That doesn't sound like the actions of an inherently evil species.
Many societies have systems in place to protect the most vulnerable members of the group. This surely goes against the cut throat attitude of "survival of the fittest" in which it would actually make the most sense to let weaker members of the herd die, thus improving the average strength of the group.
In reality, we have an almost irresistible urge to help others, to the point where we will spend time, effort and resources ensuring that no one is left behind, even if it's to our personal detriment.