In today's world, interest in The Social Conquest of Earth has been constantly increasing. Whether due to its relevance today or its impact on history, The Social Conquest of Earth has captured the attention of a wide audience. Over the years, debates, research and studies have been generated that have delved into its meaning and significance. Both in the academic and popular spheres, The Social Conquest of Earth has aroused genuine interest and has generated all kinds of reflections and discussions. In this article, we will delve into the world of The Social Conquest of Earth and explore its many facets, with the goal of better understanding its importance and relevance in today's society.
Author | E. O. Wilson |
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Country | United States |
Language | English |
Publisher | Liveright |
Publication date | 2012 |
Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
Pages | 352 |
ISBN | 978-0871403636 |
Followed by | The Meaning of Human Existence (2014) |
The Social Conquest of Earth is a 2012 book by biologist Edward O. Wilson.
Wilson adapted the title of Paul Gauguin's famous mural as a theme -- "What are we?", "Where did we come from?", "Where are we going?"—for discussing his topic of eusocial behavior in several arthropod taxa and a few mammalian species, and its role in making humans as a species unique.
Wilson argues, building on the paper "The evolution of eusociality" (2010) by Wilson, Martin Nowak and Corina Tarnita in Nature, for more importance of group selection and against the idea of kin selection.
The Nature article was controversial, with many experts arguing against its conclusions, including an "outraged response" later in the same journal by 137 authors. Richard Dawkins wrote a harshly critical review for Prospect, in which he stated that Wilson had earlier supported Bill Hamilton's theory of kin selection but had, over the years, moved away from it, to the point where it was debatable that he had really understood the theory.
The book was given a positive review by Yale psychologist and author Paul Bloom in The New York Times.
The book was listed as on The New York Times Book Review 100 Notable Books of the Year in 2012.