Sociobiology
E. O. Wilson is the father of the field of sociobiology. This is the idea that some animal behavior is not detirmined by the environment or culture an individual lives in, but by a genetic disposition explained by evolution.
Edward Wilson’s discovery of sociobiology was a long road, but it started when he read some of the text of English biologist William Hamilton. Hamilton demonstrated how ants live in service of the genes they share, not themselves. This led E. O. Wilson to the realization that there must be some genes that code for behavior in all animals, including humans.
He introduced sociobiology in his book Sociobiology: The New Synthesis. The first and last chapters of Sociobiology discussed the theory as it applied to human behavior, sparking controversy and even protests against the concept.
Edward Wilson’s discovery of sociobiology was a long road, but it started when he read some of the text of English biologist William Hamilton. Hamilton demonstrated how ants live in service of the genes they share, not themselves. This led E. O. Wilson to the realization that there must be some genes that code for behavior in all animals, including humans.
He introduced sociobiology in his book Sociobiology: The New Synthesis. The first and last chapters of Sociobiology discussed the theory as it applied to human behavior, sparking controversy and even protests against the concept.
Wilson accepts this aspect of his work- and is, in fact, rather proud of it. This is exemplified in something that occurred when Wilson was giving a talk about sociobiology in 1978. Before the talk began, protesters took over the stage, holding signs and declaring sociobiology wrong and condemning Wilson for coming up with it. One of the protesters then emptied a pitcher of ice water over Wilson’s head. Instead of being annoyed, Wilson was pleased, as he was able to make the claim that he was “...the only scientist in modern times to be physically attacked for an idea.” as he explained in an interview.
In 1978, E. O. Wilson wrote another book, On Human Nature, specifically to address the scientific criticism on sociobiology and humans. Now, however, sociobiology is a widely accepted branch of science.
In 1978, E. O. Wilson wrote another book, On Human Nature, specifically to address the scientific criticism on sociobiology and humans. Now, however, sociobiology is a widely accepted branch of science.