The Machiavellian Intelligence Theory
Also known as the Social Brain Hypothesis, the Machiavellian Intelligence Theory explains why such a rapid evolution of the human brain occurred in Homo sapiens. This organ began to grow and develop about 400,000 years ago and stabilized “only” 50,000 years ago. How to explain such a phenomenon ?
Francis de Wall invented the concept of “Machiavellian intelligence” in 1982. During these years, numerous investigations were carried out on the social and political behavior of primates. But it wasn’t until 1988 that this theory was developed as we know it today. It was written by psychologists Richard W. Byrne and Andrew Whiten, researchers at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
These authors published their findings in Machiavellian Intelligence: Social Experience and the Evolution of the Intellect in Apes, Primates and Humans . This presupposed the birth of the Machiavellian intelligence theory. But what does this theory suggest?
The brain, a first-rate consumer
The weight of the brain makes up about 2% of the whole body. However, its energy expenditure represents 20% of that of the body. Its consumption of glucose, the main fuel that nourishes it, also accounts for a quarter of the body’s total reserves. Therefore, from this point of view, it can be said that thinking is expensive. Especially since according to some, we can only justify 10% of this energy consumption. The use made of the other 90% still remains a mystery …
However, the brain evolved at a much faster stage than that of other mammals. In “only” 25 million years, we can identify several mutations in the genome. The neocortex, the most developed part of the human brain, deserves special attention. One can legitimately ask, why has this body become so complex?
Cognitive and social complexity
There are many theories that have tried to explain the transition from a simpler mind to a much more complex mind. Of all, the Machiavellian intelligence theory remains one of the most important.
This hypothesis considers that this brain development is due to the increased cognitive demands of the environment, which in turn is the consequence of life in society. It is this intense competition with the group, the increasing number of social interactions, the coexistence and complexity of interpersonal relationships, which are the triggers and the engines of this evolutionary pressure.
So, according to its authors and with the support of many neuroanatomical elements, this would have repercussions on the development of general intelligence.
Strategies required
For proponents of this idea, new and growing social problems require the adoption and improvement of our cognitive strategies in order to improve our adaptation to an increasingly dynamic environment. In fact, neurophysiology has provided convincing evidence that these tips are mainly related to anticipating the future and making decisions.
This is how the mastery of arts such as concealment, deception, lying or manipulation is developed in order to achieve social success. This is why these resources are called “Machiavellian”, because they involve all kinds of behavior that is not necessarily ethical. This is where you can see the connection between a person considered Machiavellian (personality characterized by sociopathy) and the theory exposed.
Thus, brain development – the result of social evolution – allows us to manage our emotions and recognize those of others. It also allows us to identify social structures, connect with other people and see the role they play in each situation. It also allows us to focus our actions, making it easier to understand the attitudes and intentions of others.
Natural selection
To explain this theory, we cannot ignore the principle of natural selection developed by Charles Darwin. The convergence of the two postulates is that individuals are rewarded who have been able to develop successful social and reproductive strategies. In other words, in general, people with more skills for life in society have more ability to survive.
The Machiavellian intelligence theory does not carry as much weight as others, but explains brain development on a practical basis. Thus, she considers that the increase in the volume of this organ is due to the need to face new problems: the use of utensils, shelters or the search for food.
This Machiavellian theory of intelligence is therefore crucial to understanding the relationship between the evolution of the brain and the level of social development of species. Because, ultimately, he maintains that intelligence is linked to a set of capacities which allow man to constantly adapt to new situations, in which his social dimension predominates. Thanks, evolution! Thank you, brain plasticity!
Our thoughts Early in the morning, we talk to the delivery man who parked at the entrance to our garage; at noon with our child because he is absorbed by his phone …
