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Does Altruism Exist? Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others - Foundational Questions in Science

David Sloan Wilson

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Does Altruism Exist? Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others - Foundational Questions in Science

by David Sloan Wilson
Compare to estimated retail price: S$60.00  

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Does Altruism Exist? Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others - Foundational Questions in Science
Does Altruism Exist? Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others - Foundational Questions in Science

Altruism dissected through evolutionary, societal lenses.

If you're intrigued by the intersection of biology, sociology, and psychology, David Sloan Wilson's exploration of altruism will fascinate you. Wilson doesn’t just tackle the age-old question of whether altruism truly exists, he envelopes you in a compelling narrative that blends science with profound implications for our society. Understanding the roots of selflessness could transform your perspective on human behavior and community dynamics.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

Does Altruism Exist? Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others - Foundational Questions in Science

by David Sloan Wilson
Compare to estimated retail price: S$60.00  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

Condition guide

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ISBN: 9780300189490
Author: David Sloan Wilson
Publisher: Yale University Press
Date of Publication: 2015-01-13
Format: Hardcover
Related Collections: Nature, Sociology, Philosophy, Science
Related Topics: Genetics, Nature, Theory, Biology, Evolution, Psychology
Goodreads rating: 3.74
(rated by 210 readers)

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 that 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. Co-published with Templeton Press
 

Altruism dissected through evolutionary, societal lenses.

If you're intrigued by the intersection of biology, sociology, and psychology, David Sloan Wilson's exploration of altruism will fascinate you. Wilson doesn’t just tackle the age-old question of whether altruism truly exists, he envelopes you in a compelling narrative that blends science with profound implications for our society. Understanding the roots of selflessness could transform your perspective on human behavior and community dynamics.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

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