| Abstract: | Simon argues that much of the debate between Edward O. Wilson (On Human Nature) and his critics obscures the implications of sociobiology for ethics and social policy. Drawing upon the work of Wilson, Michael Ruse, Daniel G. Freedman and others, the author evaluates some of the criticisms of Wilson's theories on sociobiology and ethics, genetic determinism, ideology, biological diversity, and human equality. He concludes that sociobiology's detractors must formulate their charges more rigorously to be effective, and that its proponents have not been completely successful in applying their theories to human behavior. |
