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The biological study of social behaviour has illuminated many aspects of animal and human behaviour and in this book both biologists and social scientists open up new perspectives on the phenomena of conflict, competition, co-operation and violence. Evoluntionary analyses of agonistic and antagonistic behaviour are discussed by an international team of contributers. It includes themes like revolution and "primitive" warfare, comparing the more paroxysmal forms of conflict behaviour, i.e. naked violence and destructiveness, with retreat and fleeing behaviour. These studies highlight the complexities and intricacies of the cost-benefit calculus involved in competitive behaviour; this has led to such insights as; that conflict and co-operation are always intertwined; that "drive" models of aggression have become obselete; that violent interaction is an evolutionary means, not an end in itself and that it makes sense only in the context of reproductive effort. The result is a book that contributes to the continuing literature in sociobiological studies.Most of the chapters are thoroughly revised and updated papers given at a European Sociobiological Society conference in Jerusalem in 1987, with other equally authoritative contributions added. The book will appeal to a wide range of people interested in the origins of conflict, competition and violence. ... Read more

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There are many varied facets to the sociobiology of sex and reproduction, and to the strategies adopted to maximise inclusive fitness in this way. This book presents a wide range of studies of these issues in humans and other animals. It should attract a wide readership of biologists, particularly those concerned with the relationships between animal behaviour, genetics, ecology and evolution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the most important anthropology books ever.
This book builds on the kinship theories of Wilson's sociobiology, applying these principles in a startling and radical way to well known anthropological data--the cultures around the globe and through the ages as recorded by ethnographers.This book is a classic, and a MUST for those interested in the story of mankind ... Read more

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Communication is essential for all forms of social interaction, from parental care to mate choice and cooperation. This is evident for human societies but less obvious for bacterial biofilms, ant colonies or flocks of birds. The major disciplines of communication research have tried to identify common core principles, but syntheses have been few because historical barriers have limited interaction between different research fields.

Sociobiology of Communication is a timely and novel synthesis. It bridges many of the gaps between proximate and ultimate levels of analysis, between empirical model systems, and between biology and the humanities. The book offers the complementary approaches of a distinguished group of authors spanning a large diversity of research programs, addressing, for example, the genetic basis of bacterial communication, dishonest communication in insect societies, sexual selection and network communication among colonial vertebrates. Other chapters explore the role of communication in genomic conflict and self-organisation, and how linguistics, psychology and philosophy may ultimately contribute to a biological understanding of human mate choice and the evolution of human societies.

This highly interdisciplinary book highlights key examples of modern research to explore the genetic, neurobiological, physiological, chemical and behavioural basis of social communication. It identifies where consensus on the general principles is emerging and where the major future challenges are to be found. The book is therefore suitable for both for graduate students and professionals in evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology seeking novel inspiration, and for a wider academic audience, including social and medical scientists who would like to explore what evolutionary approaches can offer to their fields. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

sociology of communication=microbiology or the guide for scientists
this is true science
this book is a guide for all scientists on aproaching topics
by no luck oxford is envlolved in this production
understanding clear
for the common people
this book makes
scientists
kids...imagine
dream wonder...
i have read half of it online
i am buying it just to browse it occasionally ... Read more

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The editors present a collection of essays dealing with both the life and ideas of Charles Darwin as they relate to human sociobiology. The compilation opens up the possibility of a scientific explanation for themes that are of current interest such as the causes of war and interpersonal conflict. Its wide range of topics, all rooted in an underlying evolutionary perspective, can help readers gain a better understanding of sociobiology as applied to a wide variety of fields. ... Read more

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Sociobiology: the full swath
Typical of the Praeger series in Human Evolution & Intelligence but unlike most books on evolutionary psychology, this fine tome covers a lot of ground.It originated from papers read at a meeting of the EuropeanSociobiology Society in Darwin's own Christ's College, Cambridge.

Theorganising theme is Darwinism across the full span of scholarly interests. Chapters span themes of humanities, social sciences, clinical application,the genetics of neurotransmitters and even theosophical considerations ofthe extended phenotype in human affairs.

Like most books edited fromcongress papers, this has its rough edges and uneven spots.Still, all inall it is a fine smorgasbord of topics with greater breadth amd sometimesgreater depth than most other books concerning Darwinian approaches tocontemporary studies ranging from humanities and social science on throughmedicine and philosophy.

It clearly surpasses books of more limited rangesuch as Darwinian Psychiatry (Triosi & Maguire), EvolutionaryPsychiatry (Stevens & Price) or Darwinian Medicine (Williams &Nesse).In fact, this book is to be recommended to an exceptionally broadrange of scholars in disciplines from literature to pharmacology, not tomention alert lay readers. ... Read more

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Readable Philosophy
This book is a short, lucid essay on the implications of sociobiology for ethical philosophy.Every part is interestingbut the high points include: (a) the discussion of why the fact/value dichotomy makes it impossible to derive ethical rules from the results of sociobiology; (b) the description of how the give-and-take of ethical argumentation leads to the adoption of an impartial point of view and, eventually, to a utilitarian ethics that encompasses all of humanity (the "expanding circle" of altruism to which the title refers); and (c) the analysis of why an impartial utilitarian ethic, to be effective, must be embodied in specific, inevitably-partial social rules that harness the realities of biological human nature.It's not too glib to say that Singer begins with Edward Wilson and ends with Edmund Burke.

Readers should not pick up this book expecting to find an even-handed introduction to ethics.The argument develops Singer's own views, giving scant attention to alternative positions; one huge omission is the failure to discuss John Rawls' non-utilitarian version of the impartial point of view. That said, Singer's writing is clear and non-technical, the steps in his argument are carefully laid out, his judgments are sensible, and the issues he discusses are of perennial interest (even though sociobiology's heyday has come and gone).Popular philosophy rarely gets better than this. ... Read more

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This volume analyzes the behaviorl interactions between infant and adult male baboons. The result is the first quantitative description of infant-adult male relations for any higher primate, including humans. The idea that emerges is that infant-adult male relations are far more complex than the mere paternal caretaking or exploitation that has previously been assumed, and these relations are specific, long-term, reciprocal, and beneficial to both infants and the adult males. The book also deals with many current topics of interest, including parental investment, kidnapping, altruism, food sharing, agonistic buffering, adoption, and infanticide. ... Read more

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In this provocative new addition to the acclaimed Theology and the Sciences series, Patricia Williams assays the doctrine of original sin with a scientific lens and offers an alternative Christian account of human nature’s sinfulness and redemption based on sociobiology.

Focusing on the Genesis 2 and 3 account, Williams shows how its “historical” interpretation in early Christianity not only misread the text but derived an idea of being human profoundly at odds with experience and contemporary science. After gauging Christianity’s several competing notions of human nature—Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox—against contemporary biology, Williams turns to sociobiological accounts of the evolution of human dispositions toward reciprocity and limited cooperation as a source of human good and evil. From this vantage point, she offers new interpretations of the problem of evil, original sin, and the Christian doctrine of atonement.

Frank in its assessment of traditional misunderstandings, Williams’s work challenges theologians and all Christians to reassess this linchpin doctrine and its implications for Christian theology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

New perspectives that stimulate discussion
This book was well-reviewed by our Science & Faith book club.It's not easy to generate solid and rewarding discussion on two controversial subjects as sociobiology and original sin, but Williams' book facilitated that in a group from multiple disciplines, religions and views.Also kudos to Fortress Press for having the courage to publish books that challenge our discussions with positive results--we don't have to agree with the author or each other to enjoy.

Provacative but not without error
I won't pretend to analyze William's argument, but I do appreciate her attempt to provide a sociobiological explanation of redemption.

I did find myself unable to claim it as a reliable reference for my graduate theology paper due to some blatant and fundamental misunderstandings of Catholic teaching.I am grateful, at least, that these errors emerged within the first chapter, so I didn't waste valuable research time.

This book may well prove helpful if you are looking for an expert on sociobiology in light of a Christian account of human origins.If your paper relies on accurate portrayal of Roman Catholic theology, however (as mine does), then you are best off to inquire elsewhere.

,,,
I disagree with the book and the whole concept of sociobiology but God bless her for maintaining her faith. ... Read more

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Reviewers have characterized Paul Naour's A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism, which includes brief introductions by E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner's elder daughter,Julie Vargus, as an idea book. The work will undoubtedly have a significant academic market and provide students and scholars in biology, ethology, psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics a strong foundation in twentieth century history and systems.

Praise for A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism:

- E.O. Wilson says of the book: ". . . excellent, an outstanding addition to the history of ideas. It will put Fred Skinner back in the pantheon and, providing context, serve as an excellent introduction to the content and central truths in radical behaviorism. Needless to say, I'm also grateful to have my work following Sociobiology given proper attention." 

-David Sloan Wilson, author of Darwin’s Cathedral writes: "E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner agreed that the human capacity for change is both a product of genetic evolution and an evolutionary process in its own right. Yet, the paradigms of sociobiology and radical behaviorism went in very different directions. Paul Naour's insightful analysis of a taped conversation between Wilson and Skinner goes beyond the historical significance of the conversation and helps to integrate the two paradigms for the future." 

-Carl Haywood writes: "The present question is whether evolution by natural selection is a useful set of concepts for the development of psychology.  Naour’s proposed confluence of radical behaviorism and sociobiology suggests not only that it is, but also that radical behaviorism shares with sociobiology a debt and an allegiance to Darwinism." 

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This digital document is an article from Science and Its Times, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 1388 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.The histories of science, technology, and mathematics merge with the study of humanities and social science in this interdisciplinary reference work. Essays on people, theories, discoveries, and concepts are combined with overviews, bibliographies of primary documents, and chronological elements to offer students a fascinating way to understand the impact of science on the course of human history and how science affects everyday life. Entries represent people and developments throughout the world, from about 2000 B.C. through the end of the twentieth century. ... Read more