Does Altruism Exist?: Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others (Foundational Questions in Science)
ISBN-13:
9780300189490
ISBN-10:
0300189494
Author:
David Sloan Wilson
Publication date:
2015
Publisher:
Yale University Press
Format:
Hardcover
192 pages
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Edition: First Edition; Very Good/Very Good; First Printing with full number line. Binding is tight, sturdy, and square; boards and text also very good. NOT an ex-library copy, NO remainder mark, NOT a book club. Ships from Dinkytown in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Book details
ISBN-13:
9780300189490
ISBN-10:
0300189494
Author:
David Sloan Wilson
Publication date:
2015
Publisher:
Yale University Press
Format:
Hardcover
192 pages
Summary
Does Altruism Exist?: Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others (Foundational Questions in Science) (ISBN-13: 9780300189490 and ISBN-10: 0300189494), written by authors
David Sloan Wilson, was published by Yale University Press in 2015.
With an overall rating of 4.0 stars, it's a notable title among other
Social Psychology & Interactions
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Description
A powerful treatise that demonstrates the existence of altruism in nature, with surprising implications for human society
Does altruism exist? Or is human nature entirely selfish? In this eloquent and accessible book, famed biologist David Sloan Wilson provides new answers to this age-old question based on the latest developments in evolutionary science.
From an evolutionary viewpoint, Wilson argues, altruism is inextricably linked to the functional organization of groups. “Groups that work” undeniably exist in nature and human society, although special conditions are required for their evolution. Humans are one of the most groupish species on earth, in some ways comparable to social insect colonies and multi-cellular organisms. The case that altruism evolves in all social species is surprisingly simple to make.
Yet the implications for human society are far from obvious. Some of the most venerable criteria for defining altruism aren’t worth caring much about, any more than we care much whether we are paid by cash or check. Altruism defined in terms of thoughts and feelings is notably absent from religion, even though altruism defined in terms of action is notably present. The economic case for selfishness can be decisively rejected. The quality of everyday life depends critically on people who overtly care about the welfare of others. Yet, like any other adaptation, altruism can have pathological manifestations. Wilson concludes by showing how a social theory that goes beyond altruism by focusing on group function can help to improve the human condition.
Does altruism exist? Or is human nature entirely selfish? In this eloquent and accessible book, famed biologist David Sloan Wilson provides new answers to this age-old question based on the latest developments in evolutionary science.
From an evolutionary viewpoint, Wilson argues, altruism is inextricably linked to the functional organization of groups. “Groups that work” undeniably exist in nature and human society, although special conditions are required for their evolution. Humans are one of the most groupish species on earth, in some ways comparable to social insect colonies and multi-cellular organisms. The case that altruism evolves in all social species is surprisingly simple to make.
Yet the implications for human society are far from obvious. Some of the most venerable criteria for defining altruism aren’t worth caring much about, any more than we care much whether we are paid by cash or check. Altruism defined in terms of thoughts and feelings is notably absent from religion, even though altruism defined in terms of action is notably present. The economic case for selfishness can be decisively rejected. The quality of everyday life depends critically on people who overtly care about the welfare of others. Yet, like any other adaptation, altruism can have pathological manifestations. Wilson concludes by showing how a social theory that goes beyond altruism by focusing on group function can help to improve the human condition.
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