The “Selfish Gene:” Implications for Morality
Altruism is selfish in that it fosters the survival of one’s own genes via inclusive fitness.
- Kin selection: Help genetically-related others.
- Reciprocity: Help with expectation of return.
Ghiselin (1974): “Scratch an ‘altruist,’ and watch a ‘hypocrite’ bleed.”
R. Wright: The Moral Animal: “Theories of kin selection and reciprocal altruism don’t leave our moral sentiments as celestial as they used to.”