Jun 7, 2019

What Bret Weinstein Gets Wrong About Group Selection

May 10, 2019

Group Selection in Every Way Except Using the Words: A Critique of "The Goodness Paradox" by Richard Wrangham

Wrangham's new book on the evolution of cooperation gets many things right. But he errs in thinking that he can develop his thesis without invoking group selection.

Dec 18, 2018

Was Hamilton a Group Selectionist? A Conversation with Oren Harman

W.D. Hamilton is best known for developing Inclusive Fitness Theory. What is less well known is that Hamilton changed his mind about the relationship between his theory and group selection.

Aug 2, 2017

Does Conflict Drive Cooperation?

The relationship between inter-group violence and within-group cooperation is one that seems endemic across human societies, and it continues to be given greater attention by a range of scientists.

Nov 15, 2016

Cooperation Trumps Selfishness in the Foundress's Dilemma

Aggressive queens may be the ‘winners’ within their groups, but purely cooperative groups outlast those containing aggressive queens.

Dec 28, 2015

Let’s find a compromise between group selection and the selfish gene

The sooner we begin to cooperate within the scientific discipline, the sooner the theory of evolution will be stronger than ever.

Feb 1, 2015

Challenge To Kin Selectionists. Explain This!

Jan 1, 2015

Richard Dawkins, Edward O. Wilson, And The Consensus Of The Many

Jan 12, 2014

Trustworthy People Are Seen As More Similar To Ourselves

We trust people based as much on how they look, how similar to us, than other factors, but our perception of looks can vary with social interaction.

Oct 7, 2012

Adapted, Yes, but for Whom or What?

An alternative propositions that explain how apparent group-level altruism can evolve.

Aug 22, 2012

Peter Singer, Group Selection, and the Evolution of Ethics

The selection of groups selects ethical behaviours also, so as groups evolve, so do the ethical systems on which they are based.

Jul 10, 2012

The Good Fight

Prominent scientists are in a bitter struggle over the origins of kindness. But the root of this conflict may be the most ironic part of all.

Jun 30, 2012

Debate on Altruism, Human Social Evolution, and Natural Selection

In the spirit of Evolution: This View of Life's mantra "science as a process of constructive disagreement" we will highlight the debate and welcome all the arguments.

Jun 28, 2012

On the Evolution of Human Morality (a comment on Steven Pinker)

Why do fundamentally selfish beings, which is what humans are according to the selfish gene theory, accept cultural norms that contradict their natural strivings?

Jun 25, 2012

Evolution and Our Inner Conflict

Are human beings intrinsically good but corruptible by the forces of evil, or the reverse, innately sinful yet redeemable by the forces of good?

Jun 24, 2012

Richard Dawkins in Furious Row With EO Wilson Over Theory of Evolution

A disagreement between the twin giants of genetic theory.

Jun 21, 2012

E.O. Wilson, John Horgan, and the Evolution of War

Evolutionary biologist E.O. Wilson and science writer John Horgan reflect on the evolution of war

Jun 12, 2012

The Radical Theory of Evolution That Explains Democrats and Republicans

Skip over the research that says we inherit our politics from our parents. They all tell us the "how," not the "why."

Jun 6, 2012

The Science of War, and the War Over Human Nature

Are we stuck with war? ETVOL reviews select contributions to the Science special issue on Human Conflict.Warfare and human nature seem inextricably linked. But what do we mean by “human nature,” and what evidence would we require as proof that warfare is an indelible feature of the human condition?

Apr 23, 2012

Eight Criticisms Not to Make About Group Selection

Eight criticisms that no one should be making about group selection.

Mar 24, 2012

Why Is Everyone Still So Muddled About Selfish Genes?

The Selfish Gene, Selfishness, and Multi-Level Selection: Why a 36-year Old Concept Remains So Misunderstood

Mar 10, 2012

Pugilistic Science.

On science, science journalism, selfish genes, group selection, and hitting below the belt.

Mar 5, 2012

When Richard Dawkins Is Not An Evolutionist

"Dawkins is not an evolutionist in part because no one is keeping him within bounds. One objective of <em>This View of Life</em> is to set a new standard for science journalism......"Dawkins is not an evolutionist in part because no one is keeping him within bounds. One objective of <em>This View oF Life</em> is to set a new standard for science journalism that brings it closer to the standard of the scientific peer review process.