ABSTRACT
Survival of our primitive ancestors improved when they exhibited behaviours such as fear and distrust of others, belonging to a tribe, following leaders, trusting members of their own tribe and reciprocal altruism. The Survival Imperative is the base underlying behavioural assumption. The brain chemistry and inherited automatic behaviours that aided survival proliferated, encoded in DNA. Our ancestors, as with all life, were programmed to maximise the survival of their DNA through procreation. The brain chemistry and inherited automatic behaviours that aided survival proliferated, encoded in DNA. Theoretical and empirical developments in neuroscience and moral psychology suggest that some moral behaviours are hardwired. Fears, belonging, trust, non-logical inherited hardwiring and brain chemistry undoubtedly helped us survive our primitive roots, but render us vulnerable to manipulation. These innate drivers provide insight into how 'good' people get swept up and commit atrocities.
