Final answer:
The touches on human self-control, which is necessary to leave treats untouched over generations, and relates to the philosophy of the persistence of objects, debating if things exist outside of perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the whether humans are capable of collectively leaving treats stocked on shelves across generations without consuming them, one must consider various psychological and societal factors. The concept of self-control and delayed gratification comes into play, as it is a testament to human's ability to resist immediate temptations in favor of long-term benefits.
This behavior has been studied extensively in the famous Stanford marshmallow experiment, where children who waited to get a bigger reward tended to have better life outcomes. Cultural norms and education also contribute to this ability, as societies instill values that may encourage or discourage such restraint. The second part seems to be referencing the philosophical notion related to the persistence of objects, which is a topic largely debated in the field of metaphysics.
The poses whether objects continue to exist when not being perceived. This discussion brings about various philosophical positions, with realism arguing that objects do have an existence independent of our perception, while idealists or phenomenological might argue that the existence of objects is inherently tied to our perception.