The Triumph of Sociobiology

"A clear, evocative, and accurate account of the history and content on the subject, inviting to the student and the general reader alike."--Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University "It doesn't matter whether you call it sociobiology, behavioral ecology, evolutinoary psychology or even selfish genery, John Alcock shows that triumph is exactly the right word. It is a field of research in its mature growing season, with new young scientists flocking to join in. Alcock captures the active spirit of this once-controversial subject perfectly."--Richard Dawkins, Oxford University "This book rights some of the intellectual wrongs that have r s2 perpetrated on sociobiology and certain of its practitioners by individuals who either do not understand what sociobiologists really are saying or who have subverted the truth in pursuit of their own agendas. Not everyone will agree with Alcock's conclusions, but everyone will have to reckon with them--to the delight of the sociobiologists and the chagrin of their critics."--Paul W. Sherman, Cornell University "Darwinist heavyweight Alcock understands what's at stake in evolution as well as any scientist living.... The author argues against the competing blank-slate 'culture is all' theory, and he dispels the misconception that sociobiology is in any way an ideological endorsement of racism, sexism or the social dominance of the rich over the poor.... This is an important and necessary reappraisal of humankind's place in the Darwinist puzzle--one that will undoubtedly provoke renewed debate."--Publishers Weekly