A history of altruism focusing on Darwin, Allee and E.O. Wilson

Andrew T. Domondon

doi:10.1016/j.endeavour.2012.12.001

A history of altruism focusing on Darwin, Allee and E.O. Wilson

Andrew T. Domondon^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Global Center for Science and Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Short survey › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The problem of altruism refers to the apparent difficulty in reconciling the existence of altruists, individuals who reduce their own fitness to increase the fitness of others, with natural selection. A historical and philosophical overview of solutions to this apparent contradiction is presented through a close reading of the key texts of Charles Darwin, Warder C. Allee and Edward O. Wilson. Following an analysis of Darwin's explanation for altruism, I examine the ideas of group selection and kin selection advanced by Allee and Wilson, respectively, Attention is also given to the philosophical implications each associated with their respective solutions.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	94-103
Number of pages	10
Journal	Endeavour
Volume	37
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.endeavour.2012.12.001
Publication status	Published - 2013 Jun 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

History and Philosophy of Science

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10.1016/j.endeavour.2012.12.001

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AB - The problem of altruism refers to the apparent difficulty in reconciling the existence of altruists, individuals who reduce their own fitness to increase the fitness of others, with natural selection. A historical and philosophical overview of solutions to this apparent contradiction is presented through a close reading of the key texts of Charles Darwin, Warder C. Allee and Edward O. Wilson. Following an analysis of Darwin's explanation for altruism, I examine the ideas of group selection and kin selection advanced by Allee and Wilson, respectively, Attention is also given to the philosophical implications each associated with their respective solutions.

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A history of altruism focusing on Darwin, Allee and E.O. Wilson

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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