Title: Altruism in sociobiology: a conceptual analysis
Abstract: Sociobiology is characterized by debates between scientists working in different fields. Such debates could profit substantially by a methodological analysis of central concepts. This is shown for “altruism” as an example. It is argued that “altruism” in biology is so complicated a concept that any behaviour can rightly be called altruistic in some respect. “Altruism” therefore does not denote a special class of behaviour calling for special explanations. “Altruism” in the biological sense differs fundamentally from “altruism” as used in psychology or ethics. As a result, biological theories about altruism tell us nothing about the intentions with which altruistic acts are performed.
Publication Year: 1984
Publication Date: 1984-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 49
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