Abstract
The author contrasts the role of ‘political animals’ in the literary and philosophical tradition with post-Darwinist sociobiology/biopolitics. Whereas earlier writers tried to teach mankind through parables to refrain from ‘brutish’ (i.e. human) violence and egoism, sociobiology/biopolitics considers humans and animals alike ‘survival machines blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes’ (Dawkins). Marxism holds an interesting intermediate position between tradition and Darwinism. — The author systematically surveys the main topics of sociobiology/biopolitics, among which: inclusive fitness, the genetic basis of aggression and altruism, xenophobia, nepotism, hierarchy and democracy, and discusses the methodological problems of the life science approach to political science. He concludes that the contribution of sociobiology/biopolitics to the social sciences is rather poor.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
