The New Synthesis.

摘要: New scientific theories, especially when they touch on the mysteries of human behavior, seldom go unchallenged. Such has been case since Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson's Sociobiology: The Synthesis was published in late 1975. Wilson sought a biological explanation for animal (and human) social behavior through fresh application Darwin's theories evolution and natural selection. His book "news" both specialized journals major newspapers. This "synthesis" brought heated reactions from other academics part, over what some critics perceived as its ethical, racial, cultural implications. Last November, American Anthropological Association devoted several sessions at annual meeting to sociobiology, discussion shows no signs abating. Here, zoologist David P. Barash discusses sociobiology's significance; sociologist Pierre L. van den Berghe explores ethical aspects; anthropologist Anthony Leeds offers sharp but detailed critique his more extreme detractors.