Normative Criticisms

Abstract

We saw, in the first chapter, that the main critics of human sociobiology, certainly the most vociferous and vitriolic, have been the members of the Cambridge-based Sociobiology Study Group of Science for the People. (Allen et al., 1976, 1977.) However, we know also that, since the initial outbursts, more temperate critics have appeared, particularly — of all people — the anthropologist Marshall Sahlins (1976). No doubt, nothing stirs one to action quite as much as having one’s ideas taken to support conclusions one abhors. In this and the next chapter, I shall run through the various criticisms which have been levelled against human sociobiology: my concern in this chapter will be with criticisms which ultimately raise questions to do with values, and my concern in the next chapter will be with criticisms aimed at showing that in some way human sociobiology fails as genuine science. Because I shall have, with the criticisms, given both sides of the matter, I shall feel free to comment myself as we go along. I leave until the following chapter, however, an overall assessment of the strength of human sociobiology.