Does Altruism Exist?

David Sloan Wilson

Published by Yale University Press 2015

Does Altruism Exist?

Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others

David Sloan Wilson

In the series Foundational Questions in Science

https://doi.org/10.12987/9780300206753

Overview
Contents

About this book

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.

Author information

David Sloan Wilson is president of the Evolution Institute and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biology and Anthropology at the University of Binghamton.

Reviews

“David Sloan Wilson’s special take on the evolution of altruism, and how in our species it is fortified by religion and morality, has inspired fierce debate. It is explained here in a most lively and readable manner.”—Frans de

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Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Acknowledgments Publicly Available Download PDF	ix
Introduction Altruism and Evolution Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	3
Chapter 1. Groups That Work Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	7
Chapter 2. How Altruism Evolves Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	19
Chapter 3. Equivalence Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	31
Chapter 4. From Nonhumans to Humans Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	47
Chapter 5. Psychological Altruism Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	59
Chapter 6. Altruism and Religion Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	75
Chapter 7. Altruism and Economics Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	93
Chapter 8. Altruism in Everyday Life Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	115
Chapter 9. Pathological Altruism Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	133
Chapter 10. Planetary Altruism Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	141
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	151
Works Cited Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	159
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	173

Language: English
Publisher: Yale University Press
Pages
- Main content: 192

eBook

Published: January 13, 2015
ISBN: 9780300206753