Although about 99.5% of the evolutionary history of chimpanzees and humans is shared, most thinkers in humans regard chimpanzees as deformed and unrelated monsters, and see themselves as ascended to be the master of all. ladder.To an evolutionist, this is absolutely not the case.There is no objective basis for arguing that one species is superior to another.From chimpanzees and humans to lizards and fungi, they all evolved through a process called natural selection that lasted about three billion years.Within each species, some individuals leave more surviving offspring than others, so that the heritable traits (genes) of those lucky enough to reproduce become more plentiful in the next generation.The non-random differentiation of genes is natural selection.Natural selection has made us, so it is necessary to understand natural selection if we are to understand who we are.

Although Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is a key to the study of social behavior (especially when combined with Mendel's genetics), it has been overlooked by many.A succession of research departments arose within the social sciences, devoted to developing a pre-Darwinian and pre-Mendelian view of the social and psychological world.Even in the field of biology, Darwin's theory has been ignored and misused with astonishment.Whatever the cause of this abnormal development may be.There are signs that this is coming to an end.The great work done by Darwin and Mendel has been developed by a growing number of scientists, notable among them are RA Fisher, WD Hamilton, GC Williams and J.Maynard Smith .Now, for the first time, Richard Dawkins (Richard Dawkins) introduces this important part of the social theory based on natural selection in a concise and popular form.

Dawkins presents one by one the main topics of this new work in social theory: the concepts of altruistic and egoistic behavior, the genetic definition of selfishness, the evolution of aggressive behavior, the theory of kinship (including parent-child relationships and the evolution of social insects) ), sex-ratio theory; mutual altruism, deception, and natural selection on sexual differences.Dawkins is well versed in this fundamental theory, and he presents this new work with admirable clarity.Because of his deep knowledge of biology, he is able to introduce readers to the rich and fascinating aspects of the biological literature.Whenever his point of view differs from that of published works, his comments are as effective as when he pointed out a fallacy of mine.At the same time, Dawkins spares no effort to clarify the logical reasoning based on the argument, so that readers can use this logical reasoning to expand these arguments (and even argue with Dawkins himself).These arguments can be extended in many ways.For example, if (according to Dawkins's argument) deceit is an essential activity in animal intercourse, there must be a strong selectivity for deceit, and animals must in turn choose a degree of self-deception that makes certain These behaviors and motives become unconscious, so that the slightest conscious signs will not reveal the ongoing deception.So the traditional view that natural selection favors a nervous system that more accurately reflects the image of the world must be a very naive view of the evolution of intelligence.

There has been a small countercurrent to the major advances in social theory in recent years.It has been asserted, for example, that such advances in social theory in recent years are in fact part of a periodic conspiracy to halt social progress by making it seem genetically impossible.Also, the drawing together of similar and irrefutable points of view gives the impression that Darwin's social theory was reactionary in its political implications.This statement is quite different from the actual situation.Fisher and Hamilton were the first to clearly demonstrate genetic parity of the sexes.Theory and extensive data from social insects suggest that there is no inherent tendency for parents to dominate their offspring (and vice versa).Moreover, the concepts of parental investment and female selection provide an objective and unbiased basis for observing sex differences, a considerable advance beyond the usual attribution of women's power and rights to moot biological Efforts made in the quagmire of characteristics.In short, Darwinian social theory allows us to glimpse the basic symmetry and logic of social relations. With our fuller understanding, our political opinions should regain vitality and provide theory for the scientific investigation of psychology. on the pillars.In the process, we must also gain a deeper understanding of the many sources of our suffering.

Robert L. Trivers July 1976 at Harvard University