Great Ideas of Philosophy

2. There is room for altruism but only as defined biologically: It is the behavior of individuals that favorsthe survival of the species as a whole. This is not what moral theorists call “altruism,” which dependson intentionality and consciousness.3. Darwin’s proponent Thomas Huxley wondered whether natural selection could ever match withhuman moral conceptions.V. Alfred Russell Wallace, the co-founder of the theory and a man deeply admired and respected by Darwin,ultimately asks whether the theory of natural selection succeeds as an explanation of human nature. Heidentifies three domains that are so distinctly removed from the theory as not to be assimilated by it.A. Purely abstract thought seems to serve no particular evolutionary end.B. In the domain of aesthetics, resources are squandered in the interests of what is merely beautiful, and thatsurely cannot serve the kinds of ends envisaged by the theory itself.C. In the domain of moral thought and ethics, we intentionally sacrifice our most cherished interests for thebenefit of others.VI. The Darwinian theory, though it met opposition, was rapidly and universally successful as a description and asa method. The question may be asked, however, whether this theory can tell us finally who we are and how weshould live. Yet, in our Darwinian world it seems almost no longer possible to think in terms that are non-Darwinian, let alone anti-Darwinian.Recommended Reading:Darwin, C. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. New York, 1998 (1896).Galton, F. Hereditary Genius. New York: 1978.Young, R. Mind, Brain and Adaptation in the Nineteenth Century. Oxford, 1970.Questions to Consider:1. Conclude how sound the proposition is that the defining psychological attributes of different species vary onlyin degree, rather than in kind.2. Darwin regards altruism as having positive adaptive value. Explain whether this is consistent with “survival ofthe fittest.”©2004 The Teaching Company Limited Partnership 19