Does Altruism Exist? by David Sloan Wilson

Does Altruism Exist? by David Sloan Wilson

A powerful treatise that demonstrates the existence of altruism in nature, with surprising implications for human society

“[A] brilliant contribution to this branch of socio-political discourse”—Herbert Gintis, Nature -- Herbert Gintis * Nature *
“Wilson argues his corner masterfully, providing a pithy riposte to the belief that natural selection occurs only at the level of the selfish gene. . . . Wilson’s fascinating gallop through religion, economics, politics and everyday life reveals many ways to activate altruism.”—Kate Douglas, New Scientist -- Kate Douglas * New Scientist *
“David Sloan Wilson has a nose for important problems and his writing is always interesting and provocative. This work on altruism—which extends across a range of problems including religion—will enhance his deservedly high reputation. If you read only one book on the topic, make it this one.”—Michael Ruse, Director of the Program in History and Philosophy of Science, Florida State University -- Michael Ruse
“David Sloan Wilson’s special take on the evolution of altruism, and how in our species it is fortified by religion and morality, has inspired fierce debate. It is explained here in a most lively and readable manner.”—Frans de Waal, author of The Bonobo and the Atheist -- Frans de Waal
“In this highly readable book a remarkable philosophical mind is at work, inspired by applying evolutionary theory to real life as we know it. The message is that altruism is alive and well, and it can actually be taken into account as we plan a better modern life—as long as we focus on the right kinds of altruism.”—Chris Boehm, University of South California -- Chris Boehm
“In this short and punchy book, [David Sloan Wilson] does an excellent job of explaining the relationship between the different theories and the now substantial evidence that we have indeed evolved to do each other good turns.”—Financial Times * Financial Times *
“The encouraging message is that we do have the resources to be better. . . . This requires foremost that we believe in the goodness of others. So reading these powerful new books on the existence of altruism could be the first step to making the world a nicer place.”—Stephen Cave, Financial Times. -- Stephen Cave * Financial Times *
“[Does Altruism Exist?] explores the question of whether altruism exists or if humans are entirely selfish, citing the evolutionary evidence of the functional organization of groups. [It] discusses groups that work; how altruism evolves; equivalence; considering whether altruism exists by examining humans and their distinctive properties in addition to other species.”—Journal of Economic Literature * Journal of Economic Literature *

David Sloan Wilson is president of the Evolution Institute and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biology and Anthropology at the University of Binghamton.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780300189490
ISBN 10	0300189494
Title	Does Altruism Exist?
Author	David Sloan Wilson
Series	Foundational Questions In Science
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Yale University Press
Year published	2015-03-12
Number of pages	192
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.