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 Cytochrome P450 2E1: Its Role in Disease and Drug Metabolism by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Michel Foucault: Personal Autonomy and Education by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Aspects of Air Law and Civil Air Policy in the Seventies by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Dialogues in Phenomenology by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Workplace Learning in Teacher Education by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Geology of Gas and Oil under the Netherlands by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Ventilating Cities by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Risk and Society: The Interaction of Science, Technology and Public Policy by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Molecular Pathology and Diagnostics of Cancer by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Constructivism in Science Education by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Horticulture: Plants for People and Places, Volume 2 by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Persons in Love by M. Ruse
Cover of the book Inflammatory Bowel Diseases by M. Ruse
Cover of the book The SimCalc Vision and Contributions by M. Ruse
Cover of the book The Development of Bioethics in the United States 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