From Gaia to Selfish Genes

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This anthology presents lively excerpts from prominent theorists in the life sciences, showcasing the controversies and bold ideas shaping contemporary biological research. It covers a range of topics from the biosphere to cellular biology, integrating disciplines such as global ecology, behavior, and genetics, while also linking biology to philosophy. Readers are immersed in debates surrounding heredity versus environment, competition versus cooperation, and the nature of individuality. The anthology begins with the planetary perspectives of James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis and concludes with the reductionist views of Richard Dawkins and E. O. Wilson, highlighting contrasting worldviews and encouraging critical examination of personal assumptions. It explores concepts like the Gaia hypothesis, symbiosis in cell evolution, hierarchy theory, systems theory, game theory, sociobiology, and the selfish gene, enriched by autobiographical passages and biographies that humanize scientific research. These narratives reveal the social contexts, motivations, and cognitive styles that characterize scientific endeavors. Concluding essays by notable figures such as Lynn Margulis and John Maynard Smith emphasize the significance of diversity in scientific thought. The anthology features contributions from a wide array of scientists and science writers, reflecting a rich tapestry of perspectives in the field.