What Edward O. Wilson thinks about evolutionary biology
Biologist (1929 to 2021), founder of sociobiology, whose On Human Nature (1978) argued that human behaviour, culture and religion are shaped by evolved genetic predispositions.
Edward O. Wilson did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
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Only Edward O. Wilson on evolutionary biology. See everyone on evolutionary biology
6 dated positions, c. 1978 to 2012, in their own words. Our reading of what Edward O. Wilson has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Our readingKin selection is a weaker explanation of social evolution than standard natural selection
Their wordsOne of the key ideas to explain this has been kin selection theory or inclusive fitness, which argues that individuals cooperate according to how they are related. I have had doubts about it for quite a while. Standard natural selection is simpler and superior.
↗E.O. Wilson on Altruism and the New Enlightenment (New Scientist interview, republished by Slate)slate.com 1st of 7 in this piece
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Their wordsHumans originated by multilevel selection—individual selection interacting with group selection, or tribe competing against tribe.
↗E.O. Wilson on Altruism and the New Enlightenment (New Scientist interview, republished by Slate)slate.com 2nd of 7 in this piece
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Their wordsIndividual versus group selection results in a mix of altruism and selfishness, of virtue and sin, among the members of a society.
↗E.O. Wilson on Altruism and the New Enlightenment (New Scientist interview, republished by Slate)slate.com 3rd of 7 in this piece
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Our readingThe human mind is a device for survival and reproduction; reason is one of its techniques
Their wordsThe human mind is a device for survival and reproduction, and reason is just one of its various techniques.
↗On Human Nature (Harvard University Press, 1978)archive.org All 4 from this book
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Our readingThe brain exists because it promotes the survival and multiplication of the genes that build it
Their wordsThe essence of the argument, then, is that the brain exists because it promotes the survival and multiplication of the genes that direct its assembly.
↗On Human Nature (Harvard University Press, 1978)archive.org All 4 from this book
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Our readingThe genes hold culture on a leash
Their wordsThe genes hold culture on a leash.
↗On Human Nature (Harvard University Press, 1978)archive.org All 4 from this book