Sociobiology: Sense or Nonsense?

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference
Cover of the book Sociobiology: Sense or Nonsense? by M. Ruse, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M. Ruse ISBN: 9789400964389
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: M. Ruse
ISBN: 9789400964389
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

In June 1975, the distinguished Harvard entomologist Edward O. Wilson published a truly huge book entitled, Sociobiology: The New Synthesis. In this book, drawing on both fact and theory, Wilson tried to present a com­ prehensive overview of the rapidly growing subject of 'sociobiology', the study of the biological nature and foundations of animal behaviour, more precisely animal social behaviour. Although, as the title rather implies, Wilson was more surveying and synthesising than developing new material, he com­ pensated by giving the most thorough and inclusive treatment possible, beginning in the animal world with the most simple of forms, and progressing via insects, lower invertebrates, mammals and primates, right up to and in­ cluding our own species, Homo sapiens. Initial reaction to the book was very favourable, but before the year was out it came under withering attack from a group of radical scientists in the Boston area, who styled themselves 'The Science for the People Sociobiology Study Group'. Criticism, of course, is what every academic gets (and needs!); but, for two reasons, this attack was particularly unpleasant. First, not only were Wilson's ideas attacked, but he himself was smeared by being linked with the most reactionary of political thinkers, including the Nazis.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In June 1975, the distinguished Harvard entomologist Edward O. Wilson published a truly huge book entitled, Sociobiology: The New Synthesis. In this book, drawing on both fact and theory, Wilson tried to present a com­ prehensive overview of the rapidly growing subject of 'sociobiology', the study of the biological nature and foundations of animal behaviour, more precisely animal social behaviour. Although, as the title rather implies, Wilson was more surveying and synthesising than developing new material, he com­ pensated by giving the most thorough and inclusive treatment possible, beginning in the animal world with the most simple of forms, and progressing via insects, lower invertebrates, mammals and primates, right up to and in­ cluding our own species, Homo sapiens. Initial reaction to the book was very favourable, but before the year was out it came under withering attack from a group of radical scientists in the Boston area, who styled themselves 'The Science for the People Sociobiology Study Group'. Criticism, of course, is what every academic gets (and needs!); but, for two reasons, this attack was particularly unpleasant. First, not only were Wilson's ideas attacked, but he himself was smeared by being linked with the most reactionary of political thinkers, including the Nazis.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Handbook of Causal Analysis for Social Research by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Agriculture and Public Goods by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Probabilistic Thinking by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Optical Transmission by M. Ruse
Cover of the book CEMAF as a Census Method by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Political Economy and American Capitalism by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Earth Sciences in the Age of the Satellite by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Infertility by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Hematopoietic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Optimality Theory and Language Change by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Cardiovascular Genetics for Clinicians by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Fish Ecology by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Efficient Test Methodologies for High-Speed Serial Links by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Extremes in a Changing Climate by M. Ruse
Cover of the book History of Ophthalmology 1 by M. Ruse
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy