The fourth seminar of the CS4: Complexity Systems Simulation Seminar Series 2012/13 will take place Wednesday 21st November. Professor Samir Okasha from the University of Bristol will give the CS4 talk “Individuals versus Groups in Evolutionary Biology” at 4-5pm, B53/4025, Highfield Campus.
All talks within the CS4 seminar series are free and take place fortnightly on Wednesdays, 4-5pm, B53/4025, Highlfield Campus. All are warmly welcome to attend. Please find attached details of the CS4 Seminar Series, including the Autumn Semester Schedule here: http://cs4southampton.wordpress.com/
No registration is required. Please contact Alison Simmance ([email protected]) for all queries.
Complex Systems Simulation Seminar Series no 4
ABSTRACT:
‘Individuals versus Groups in Evolutionary Biology’
Professor Samir Okasha from the University of Bristol
21 November
4-5pm, B53/4025, Highfield Campus
I will examine philosophical and conceptual problems within the field of social evolution theory, with a particular emphasis on three themes:
- hierarchical organization in the biological world
- the tension between individual and group interests
- the ‘levels of selection’ discussion in evolutionary theory
I argue that social evolution theory is in need of careful philosophical scrutiny, and also offers a novel way of thinking about many issues in traditional social and political philosophy.