Altruism from an Evolutionary Perspective

Wilson, David; Kniffin, Kevin

Altruism from an Evolutionary Perspective

Research on Altruism and Love: An annotated bibliography of major studies in sociology, evolutionary biology, and theology, pp. 117-136. S. Post, B. Johnson, M. McCullough, J. Schloss (Eds.), Radnor, PA: Templeton Foundation Press, 2003

11 Pages Posted: 27 Apr 2017

See all articles by David Wilson

David Wilson

Binghamton University

Kevin Kniffin

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

Date Written: June 16, 2003

Abstract

A primer on altruism through evolutionary perspectives. Section headings for the book chapter are: Multilevel selection theory; Naïve group selection and the rejection of group selection in the 1960s; Selfish genes and extended phenotypes; Inclusive fitness theory; Reciprocal altruism and evolutionary game theory; and, The importance of culture in the evolution of altruism.

Keywords: Evolutionary anthropology, Evolutionary psychology, Altruism

JEL Classification: A1, D64

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Wilson, David and Kniffin, Kevin, Altruism from an Evolutionary Perspective (June 16, 2003). Research on Altruism and Love: An annotated bibliography of major studies in sociology, evolutionary biology, and theology, pp. 117-136. S. Post, B. Johnson, M. McCullough, J. Schloss (Eds.), Radnor, PA: Templeton Foundation Press, 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2957991