C. McGinn. Selfish Genes and Moral Parasites / trans. from Engl. A. V. Nekhaev

Abstract

The essay raises questions about the origins of altruistic behaviour. A proper understanding of such behaviours must take into account the evidence of our best biological theories, which indicate that in the animal world (including Homo Sapiens Sapiens) there is no place for genuine altruism. What we often mistakenly call ‘altruism’ is the result of selfish genes.

Keywords

• selfishness
• altruism
• selfish gene
• manipulative behavior
• foundations of morality