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Human Sociobiology: Basic Concepts and Limitations
Author(s) -
Archer John
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1540-4560
pISSN - 0022-4537
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-4560.1991.tb01820.x
Subject(s) - sociobiology , inclusive fitness , altruism (biology) , psychology , value (mathematics) , confusion , reciprocal , evolutionary psychology , social psychology , epistemology , computer science , philosophy , linguistics , machine learning , psychoanalysis
Principles underlying the sociobiological, or functional evolutionary, approach to behavior are outlined, and the following specific theories and concepts are described: reciprocal altruism, inclusive fitness, reproductive value, parent‐offspring conflict, and alternative reproductive tactics. Applications of sociobiological principles to topics in psychology, such as altruism, homicide, child abuse, and socialization, are outlined. Problems with the functional approach are identified, notably limitations to the assumption of the adaptiveness of behavior, and confusion of functional and causal explanations. Advantages of the functional approach include providing an integrated viewpoint concerning behavior and aiding studies of the mechanisms controlling behavior. Sociobiology's predictive hypotheses are as yet limited.