The Solitary Self

Darwin and the Selfish Gene

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book The Solitary Self by Mary Midgley, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mary Midgley ISBN: 9781317488231
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 5, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Mary Midgley
ISBN: 9781317488231
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 5, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Renowned philosopher Mary Midgley explores the nature of our moral constitution to challenge the view that reduces human motivation to self-interest. Midgley argues cogently and convincingly that simple, one-sided accounts of human motives, such as the 'selfish gene' tendency in recent neo-Darwinian thought, may be illuminating but are always unrealistic. Such neatness, she shows, cannot be imposed on human psychology. She returns to Darwin's original writings to show how the reductive individualism which is now presented as Darwinism does not derive from Darwin but from a wider, Hobbesian tradition in Enlightenment thinking. She reveals the selfish gene hypothesis as a cultural accretion that is just not seen in nature. Heroic independence is not a realistic aim for Homo sapiens. We are, as Darwin saw, earthly organisms, framed to interact constantly with one another and with the complex ecosystems of which we are a tiny part. For us, bonds are not just restraints but also lifelines.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Renowned philosopher Mary Midgley explores the nature of our moral constitution to challenge the view that reduces human motivation to self-interest. Midgley argues cogently and convincingly that simple, one-sided accounts of human motives, such as the 'selfish gene' tendency in recent neo-Darwinian thought, may be illuminating but are always unrealistic. Such neatness, she shows, cannot be imposed on human psychology. She returns to Darwin's original writings to show how the reductive individualism which is now presented as Darwinism does not derive from Darwin but from a wider, Hobbesian tradition in Enlightenment thinking. She reveals the selfish gene hypothesis as a cultural accretion that is just not seen in nature. Heroic independence is not a realistic aim for Homo sapiens. We are, as Darwin saw, earthly organisms, framed to interact constantly with one another and with the complex ecosystems of which we are a tiny part. For us, bonds are not just restraints but also lifelines.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Science Advice to the President by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book State and Economics in the Middle East by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book The Empress Nurbanu and Ottoman Politics in the Sixteenth Century by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book The Global Tourism System by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book An Outline of International Price Theories by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Malta in the European Union by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Marketing Information by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Handbook of Research on Teaching Literacy Through the Communicative and Visual Arts by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Teaching with Influence by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Perspectives on Perception and Action by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Urban and Regional Technology Planning by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Contemporary BRICS Journalism by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book The Works of Elizabeth Gaskell, Part II vol 4 by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Flash Mobile: Setting up Flash CS5 for Android Development by Mary Midgley
Cover of the book Presidential Leadership by Mary Midgley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy