Does Altruism Exist?

Does altruism exist? Or is human nature entirely selfish? In this eloquent and accessible book, famed biologist David Sloan Wilson provides new answers to this age-old question based on the latest developments in evolutionary science.

 

From an evolutionary viewpoint, Wilson argues, altruism is inextricably linked to the functional organization of groups. “Groups that work” undeniably exist in nature and human society, although special conditions are required for their evolution. Humans are one of the most groupish species on earth, in some ways comparable to social insect colonies and multi-cellular organisms. The case that altruism evolves in all social species is surprisingly simple to make.

 

Yet the implications for human society are far from obvious. Some of the most venerable criteria for defining altruism aren’t worth caring much about, any more than we care much whether we are paid by cash or check. Altruism defined in terms of thoughts and feelings is notably absent from religion, even though altruism defined in terms of action is notably present. The economic case for selfishness can be decisively rejected. The quality of everyday life depends critically on people who overtly care about the welfare of others. Yet, like any other adaptation, altruism can have pathological manifestations. Wilson concludes by showing how a social theory that goes beyond altruism by focusing on group function can help to improve the human condition.

"A masterpiece of clear thinking and even clearer writing. It is such a joy to read an important original contribution to science such as Wilson makes here, that can be read and valued by both professional and general readers."—Michael Shermer, author of How We Believe, on Darwin's Cathedral Michael Shermer

“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

“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

 

"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

‘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  

‘Evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson’s Does Altruism Exist? [is a] brilliant contribution to this branch of socio-political discourse.’—Herbert Gintis, Nature

“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

‘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. 

"[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

"[A] brilliant contribution to this branch of socio-political discourse."—Herbert Gintis, Nature

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

A powerful treatise that demonstrates the existence of altruism in nature, with surprising implications for human society
Does altruism exist? Or is human nature entirely selfish? In this eloquent and accessible book, famed biologist David Sloan Wilson provides new answers to this age-old question based on the latest developments in evolutionary science.
From an evolutionary viewpoint, Wilson argues, altruism is inextricably linked to the functional organization of groups. "Groups that work" undeniably exist in nature and human society, although special conditions are required for their evolution. Humans are one of the most groupish species on earth, in some ways comparable to social insect colonies and multi-cellular organisms. The case that altruism evolves in all social species is surprisingly simple to make.
Yet the implications for human society are far from obvious. Some of the most venerable criteria for defining altruism aren't worth caring much about, any more than we care much whether we are paid by cash or check. Altruism defined in terms of thoughts and feelings is notably absent from religion, even though altruism defined in terms of action is notably present. The economic case for selfishness can be decisively rejected. The quality of everyday life depends critically on people who overtly care about the welfare of others. Yet, like any other adaptation, altruism can have pathological manifestations. Wilson concludes by showing how a social theory that goes beyond altruism by focusing on group function can help to improve the human condition.

David Sloan Wilson, one of the worlds leading evolutionists, addresses a question that has puzzled philosophers, psychologists, and evolutionary biologists for centuries: Does altruism exist naturally among the Earths creatures?

 

The key to understanding the existence of altruism, Wilson argues, is by understanding the role it plays in the social organization of groups. Groups that function like organisms indubitably exist, and organisms evolved from groups. Evolutionists largely agree on how functionally organized groups evolve, ending decades of controversy, but the resolution casts altruism in a new light: altruism exists but shouldnt necessarily occupy center stage in our understanding of social behavior.

 

After laying a general theoretical foundation, Wilson surveys altruism and group-level functional organization in our own species—in religion, in economics, and in the rest of everyday life. He shows that altruism is not categorically good and can have pathological consequences. Finally, he shows how a social theory that goes beyond altruism by focusing on group function can help to improve the human condition in a practical sense.

 

Does Altruism Exist? puts old controversies to rest and will become the center of debate for decades to come.

Q: What prompted your interest in altruism? Was it primarily a scientific question for you, or religious, philosophical, political? 

A: Reviving group selection was a great scientific challenge when I entered the field, but the idea that everything can be explained as a form of selfishness also offended my personal sensibilities.

 

Q: One of the chapters in your book is called “Pathological Altruism.”  What is the meaning of this term? Is there such a thing?

A: This is a good example of how an evolutionary lens adds insight to a venerable topic such as altruism. Of course altruism can be pathological! For example, its pathological to counsel someone to be altruistic without providing a social environment that enables altruism to win the Darwinian contest against selfishness.

 

Q: Are there real-world implications that emerge from your new understanding of altruism? 

A: There are so many! I have spent the last seven years exploring these implications as president of the Evolution Institute and provide a concise summary in my book.

 

Q: Can an altruistic act be performed by groups—say, corporations or nations—as well as by individuals? 

A: Absolutely! The same evolutionary dynamic applies to all levels of a multi-tier hierarchy, so corporations and nations can be altruistic or selfish, just like individuals. This is essential knowledge for solving the problems of human existence at the largest spatial and temporal scales.