The Origins of Human Swarm Problem Solving

In human evolution, it is likely that important transitions in group organization, both increases in group size and new types of cooperation between human groups, were motivated by attempts to solve problems more effectively. It is here suggested that it was the gradual evolution from small group cooperation to interaction in large groups that eventually made human swarm problem solving possible. But how did this process unfold in evolution? This is a hard question to answer, and this chapter will only briefly address the issue by highlighting a few of the historical milestones that are considered important antecedents. If we look back in time, most researchers agree that group hunting of large animals is an important achievement in human history. This new practice made it possible to gain access to more food. Group hunting also resembles the basic characteristics of human swarm problem solving with its emphasis on rapid problem solving, specific interactional rules, and the involvement of all group members. Although group hunting required some degree of planning and higher-order cognition, it is plausible that the first type of group hunting resembles how other animal groups hunt together. A second major milestone was the establishment of peaceful interaction between different human groups or communities. In evolution, this is a major achievement, as we know that our close relatives, the chimpanzees, do not trust strangers. It is likely that this first interaction with strangers across groups began through trade. Collective problem solving between groups made it possible to utilize informational diversity from nonkin and even strangers, and must have amplified human learning, knowledge sharing, and our opportunities to develop better solutions to problems. The third major achievement was the establishment of the first democracy in ancient Athens. Several democratic institutions were invented, such