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Single Idea 5308
[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied
]
Full Idea
No species, ours included, possesses a purpose beyond the imperatives created by its genetic history.
Gist of Idea
The only human purpose is that created by our genetic history
Source
Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.1)
Book Ref
Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.2
A Reaction
This invites the question of what that purpose is perceived to be. Some people feel an imperative to play the piano all day, so presumably genetic history has created that feeling. Presumably we can also choose a purpose, even extinction.
The
14 ideas
from Edmund O. Wilson
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20662
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The biology of societies: kin selection, parenting, mating; status, territory, contracts
[Wilson,EO]
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5308
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The only human purpose is that created by our genetic history
[Wilson,EO]
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5311
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If observation goes up a level, we expect the laws of the lower level to remain in force
[Wilson,EO]
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5309
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Beliefs are really enabling mechanisms for survival
[Wilson,EO]
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5310
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Philosophers study the consequences of ethics instead of its origins
[Wilson,EO]
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5313
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The rules of human decision-making converge and overlap in a 'human nature'
[Wilson,EO]
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5312
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A child first sees objects as distinct, and later as members of groups
[Wilson,EO]
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5314
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Cultural evolution is Lamarckian and fast, biological evolution is Darwinian and slow
[Wilson,EO]
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5315
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Over 99 percent of human evolution has been in the hunter-gatherer phase
[Wilson,EO]
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5318
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Pure hard-core altruism based on kin selection is the enemy of civilisation
[Wilson,EO]
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5316
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We undermine altruism by rewarding it, but we reward it to encourage it
[Wilson,EO]
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5317
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The actor is most convincing who believes that his performance is real
[Wilson,EO]
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5320
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It is estimated that mankind has produced 100,000 religions
[Wilson,EO]
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22187
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Genetic behaviours that have enhanced human success include aggression, rape and xenophobia
[Wilson,EO, by Okasha]
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