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Biophilia, selfish genes, shared values

Date

1993

Authors

Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Island Press, publisher

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

Two central features of Edward O. Wilson's work are selfish genes and biophilia. A biophilia ethics is based in a love for all forms of life, so the chief exponent of selfish genes reaches toward a more comprehensive ethics, one even including ants. Thereby comes the puzzle. Can we get biophilia out of selfish genes? The analysis here proposes a theory that both better describes what is going on and better prescribes what ought to be. By a series of ever more extensive hookups we weave the selfish genes into global natural history. Philosophically speaking, this is a study in integration and identity in natural history.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 413-414).

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Subject

natural history
biophilia
selfish genes
respect for nature
shared values

Citation

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