TheVat Posted December 27, 2021 Posted December 27, 2021 Quote Wilson’s sociobiology theories transformed the field of biology and reignited the nature vs. nurture debate among scientists. Based on data about many species, Wilson argued that social behaviors from warfare to altruism had a genetic basis, an idea that contradicted the prevailing view that cultural and environmental factors determined human behavior. Critics argued that such a theory bolstered social injustice, including discrimination against women, by saying that the inequality is written in human genes. Fifteen Boston-area scholars joined in a letter denouncing it, and in one case protesters dumped a pitcher of ice water on Wilson’s head while he was speaking at a scientific meeting in 1978. He didn’t think genes determine all human behavior, but “in rough terms ... maybe 10 percent” of it. https://apnews.com/article/edward-o-wilson-dead-biologist-bc3d64fceb5200dd88d67187ef2a5cee
Peterkin Posted December 27, 2021 Posted December 27, 2021 May I offer two book recommendations? https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/55981.Consilience Quote Using the natural sciences as his model, Wilson forges dramatic links between fields. He explores the chemistry of the mind and the genetic bases of culture. He postulates the biological principles underlying works of art from cave-drawings to Lolita. Presenting the latest findings in prose of wonderful clarity and oratorical eloquence, and synthesizing it into a dazzling whole, Consilience is science in the path-clearing traditions of Newton, Einstein, and Richard Feynman. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1185545.The_Earth_Dwellers?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=6ZbHZFkmoq&rank=2 A fascinating and engaging look into the world of ants and the scientists who study them.
joigus Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 (edited) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/27/edward-o-wilson-naturalist-modern-day-darwin-dies May a path of ants lead you to wherever there is light. Edited December 28, 2021 by joigus stylistic touch
Genady Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 His book, Naturalist by Edward O. Wilson, was a required reading when I studied Biology. I liked it. 1
dimreepr Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 43 minutes ago, Genady said: His book, Naturalist by Edward O. Wilson, was a required reading when I studied Biology. I liked it. And suddenly a religion is born...
TheVat Posted December 28, 2021 Author Posted December 28, 2021 (edited) Mod: any chance we can merge this with the Wilson thread I started yesterday? Edited December 28, 2021 by TheVat Huh 1
joigus Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 1 hour ago, TheVat said: Mod: any chance we can merge this with the Wilson thread I started yesterday? Sorry, I looked for that in 'News' only. I should have done a look-up in the forums.
TheVat Posted December 28, 2021 Author Posted December 28, 2021 It's quite alright- News was the better location for the topic. I buried mine in too specific a forum. And I like your OP. Thread should just import Peterkins post.
Peterkin Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 Too few for a fan club... But maybe they will come.
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