{"product_id":"the-altruism-equation-9780691242132","title":"The Altruism Equation","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a world supposedly governed by ruthless survival of the fittest, why do we see acts of goodness in both animals and humans? This work traces the history of this debate from Darwin. It aims to bring to life the people, the issues, and the passions that have surrounded the altruism debate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"If evolution involves a competition for survival, then how can we explain altruism? Biologist Lee Dugatkin splendidly narrates a fast-paced tale of scientific breakthrough, genius and intellectual history as he examines the lives of seven scientists . . . whose groundbreaking work attempts to answer this question. . . . This superb tale of scientific discovery is required reading for everyone interested in the nature of human morality.\" * Publishers Weekly *\u003cbr\u003e\"Exhilerating. . . . [This] is an engaging book with devoted enthusiasm for the ideas of the main protagonist, William Hamilton. . . . Dugatkin's . . . account offers much to think about.\"\u003cb\u003e---Caroline Ash, \u003ci\u003eScience\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dugatkin's biographical sketches . . . are entertaining and insightful. . . . [T]here is little doubt that efforts to explain altruism and morality in formal scientific terms are heavily influenced by the cultures and personal histories of their proponents.\"\u003cb\u003e---David Sloan Wilson, \u003ci\u003eAmerican Scientist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dugatkin tells the story . . . with clear prose and poise. In doing so he celebrates the internal consistencies of science and the beauty of clear thinking. Written for a general audience, this book provides vignettes featuring the lives of key thinkers, which foster an understanding of how the social context of the times influences the advance of scientific understanding.\" * Choice *\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eThe Altruism Equation\u003c\/i\u003e is very well written and extremely informative. Dugatkin's immense enthusiasm shines through every page. . . . Because the scientific concepts are explained so clearly, concisely and engagingly, newcomers to sociobiology will find \u003ci\u003eThe Altruism Equation\u003c\/i\u003e an enlightening read. At the same time, it will be of interest to connoisseurs of the literature who wish to gain a panoramic view of the altruism debate. . . . \u003ci\u003eThe Altruism Equation\u003c\/i\u003e is a splendid book.\"\u003cb\u003e---David Livingstone Smith, \u003ci\u003eEvolutionary Psychology\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is a tale not only about the majesty of science, but also about the hubris of scientism. One of the greatest projects of modernity is to explain to the public where science does and does not matter, and altruism is a valuable example.\"\u003cb\u003e---Oren Harman, \u003ci\u003eThe New Republic\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eThe Altruism Equation\u003c\/i\u003e is a pleasure to read. Dugatkin's explanation of the relevant science is clear and comprehensible. He also blends the scientific views of these seven scientists with their personal and professional lives in a way that enhances our understanding of both.\"\u003cb\u003e---David L. Hull, \u003ci\u003eIsis\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This book could he an especially interesting read for recent generations, who may see themselves as standing on the shoulders of their intellectual predecessors. . . . The material is carefully researched and written, and problematic issues are few.\"\u003cb\u003e---Daniel J. Kruger, \u003ci\u003eQuarterly Review of Biology\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eThe Altruism Equation\u003c\/i\u003e is very good popular scientific history. It provides the non-scientist with a digestible overview of a lengthy and sometimes complex development, and offers ample leads to pursue. Most importantly, it brings science to life by showing the personalities of scientists involved as well as the background beliefs which motivated their pursuits. For those interested in jumping into this area of inquiry, there is probably no better book with which to start.\"\u003cb\u003e---Marc Baer. PhD, \u003ci\u003eMetapsychology Online Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Princeton University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48865554170199,"sku":"9780691242132","price":20.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/the-altruism-equation-9780691242132","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}