Cognitive Roots Of Social Systems
Unfortunately (or fortunately) the social systems that guide us - the ones in which we live are built upon the foundations of ideas (or philosophies)- so as to say that the cultures to which these ideas are specific are a major factor which helps to define our preexisting beliefs, opinions & ideals which help shape our cognitions, personalities & behaviour.
So with that in mind I dont think it is very removed at all since we are now talking about the cognitions which gave (and give) rise to the systems which we entrust to guide us. To this end I believe it is extremely important to pick apart the individual cognitive processes which gave rise to these systems since these systems are in their most basic fundamental units - just ideas - whether they are on paper and supported by many or not- they are just ideas. And these ideas follow the rules of any other cognitive process- and with this being said - they follow the trends of any other social process. So i think understanding clearly, and defining clearly, how any of these things came to be (you mentioned the evolutionary mechanisms by which acts of vengeance became conducive to survival, which is exactly the kind of thing i am refering to), how they actually affect us, and why we accept them and do not change them (or change them) from a psychological point of view is essential to the development of new ideas (which is what any system is based on) which are beneficial to society as a whole, instead of relying on outdated methodologies and schools of thought (for example the use of harsh punishment as the primary method for correcting behaviour is maybe 3000 years old?? wild animals use it too & I like to believe we can think of better methods than wild animals).
frankly in my opinion though, i dont think any solutions can exist without the vengeance mechanism - but if we can manage it on a personal level why not on a larger scale?
