Single Idea 22187

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / d. Biological ethics]

Full Idea

Wilson claimed that many human behaviours, including aggression, rape, and xenophobia, had a genetic basis, and were adaptations favoured by natural selection because they enhanced the reproductive success of our ancestors.

Gist of Idea

Genetic behaviours that have enhanced human success include aggression, rape and xenophobia

Source

report of Edmund O. Wilson (Sociobiology [1975]) by Samir Okasha - Philosophy of Science: Very Short Intro (2nd ed) 7

Book Reference

Okasha,Samir: 'Philosophy of Science: very short intro (2nd ed)' [OUP 2016], p.125


A Reaction

This led to the Sociobiology Wars, when E.O. Wilson was attacked by Richard Lewontin and Stephen Jay Gould.