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The Origins of Virtue

The Origins of Virtue

Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation

by Matt Ridley
Paperback
Publication Date: 01/04/1998

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If, as Darwin suggests, evolution relentlessly encourages the survival of the fittest, why are humans compelled to live in cooperative, complex societies? In this fascinating examination of the roots of human trust and virtue, a zoologist and former American editor of the Economist reveals the results of recent studies that suggest that self-interest and mutual aid are not at all incompatible. In fact, he points out, our cooperative instincts may have evolved as part of mankind's natural selfish behavior--by exchanging favors we can benefit ourselves as well as others.Brilliantly orchestrating the newest findings of geneticists, psychologists, and anthropologists, The Origins of Virtue re-examines the everyday assumptions upon which we base our actions towards others, whether in our roles as parents, siblings, or trade partners. With the wit and brilliance of The Red Queen, his acclaimed study of human and animal sexuality, Matt Ridley shows us how breakthroughs in computer programming, microbiology, and economics have given us a new perspective on how and why we relate to each other.
ISBN:
9780140264456
9780140264456
Category:
Ethics & moral philosophy
Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
01-04-1998
Language:
English
Publisher:
Penguin Publishing Group
Country of origin:
United States
Dimensions (mm):
197.36x130.05x16.76mm
Weight:
0.25kg
Matt Ridley

Matt Ridley's books have been finalists for nine major literary prizes, won several awards, been translated into thirty languages, and sold over one million copies.

He currently writes the Mind and Matter column in the Wall Street Journal and writes regularly for The Times. As Viscount Ridley, he was appointed to the House of Lords in 2013 and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and a foreign honourary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

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