Darwinism

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the SSSM and evaluates its statement that genes determine all human behavior. The paper presents arguments to support this statement and also to undermine it. The paper analyzes human altruism and cultural determinism.

From the Paper:

"Let us consider another source of human nature, namely evolution. The statement becomes, "If evolution is the underlying cause of human behavior then human beings have less concern for each other than they would if culture was the underlying cause of human behavior". Richard Dawkins, the author of "The Selfish Gene", describes human beings as "just gene machines" (Dawkins, 10). He means that organisms strive toward the Darwinian optimum at a cellular level. He states that genes program our behavior. When asked about free will he states, "We can override biology with free will" (Dawkins, 1.) If one understands this idea, then one might assume that our superior genes enable us to choose not to obey them and choose a different course. Confusing as this might seem, he explains by stating that the individual genes are "selfish", yet the entire organism need not be. He cites animal groups in which attendance by the parents is a long- term commitment, if the young are to survive. He points out that the decision to be monogamous actually creates a better chance for the survival of the strongest genes, however goes against the instinctive behavior of most males to impregnate as many females as possible."

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