Edward Wilson's "The Fitness of Human Nature"

1.       Kin selection according to Wilson Is the natural selection of genes based on their effects on individuals carrying them plus the effects the presence of the genes has on all the genetic relatives of the individuals, including parents, children, siblings, cousins and others who still live and are capable of either reproducing or of affecting the preproduction of blood relatives. Some factors that have led people to feel altruistic toward family members is kin selection. It plays a role in altruistic feelings. They share some of the same genes and may not want to pass that down to their kids.

2.       Wilson believes The basic differences in mating strategies between males and females is that Women have more at stake in sexual activity than men, because of the limited age span in which they can reproduce and the heavy investment required of them with each child conceived. Women in relationships want committment and material securty, whereas men prefer exclusive sexual access and gurantines of paternity.

3.       Individuals hereditarily predisposed to defend private resources for themselves, and their social groups pass more genes on to the next generation. They fight for what they think is right and their beliefs.  He says that they can be altered but probably won’t.  People are used to acting this way and will not want to change it.

4.       They form societies based on conjunction of selfish interest. They resist committing their bodies and services to the common good. Rather, they devote their energies to their own welfare and that of close kin. They want to be around other people that are similar to them or what kind of traits they like in people.