These modules have evolved as information-processing mechanisms for efficiently solving problems of individuals relating with one another. In other words, our ability to reflect on ideas ranging from black holes and quarks to freedom and justice might be by-products of brains primarily designed to interpret and reason about the likely behavior and responses of other members of our own species. This raises some interesting questions. We, and a great many other researchers, have examined this question, mostly by observing how people play carefully constructed games that illuminate the dynamic between public and private advantage. There has been strong evolutionary selection for the kind of brain that allows humans to survive and prosper in social groups.
People are fundamentally social in their brain structure and generally make decisions accordingly.
Often this is good news since it is the basis for productive cooperation. A more realistic model can lead to more informed and successful social policy.