David Sloan Wilson

David Sloan Wilson is an American evolutionary biologist and author known for his work on evolutionary theory, multilevel selection, and the application of evolutionary principles to understanding human behavior and culture. Here are the key points from his biography:

Early Life and Education: David Sloan Wilson was born in 1949 in Binghamton, New York. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Rochester in 1971 and his PhD in Zoology from Michigan State University in 1975.

Academic Career: Wilson has held academic positions at various institutions throughout his career. He is currently a Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences and Anthropology at Binghamton University (State University of New York). He has also held visiting professorships at several universities around the world.

Research Contributions: Wilson’s research focuses on evolutionary biology and the evolution of cooperation. He is known for his work on multilevel selection theory, which proposes that natural selection acts not only on individuals but also on groups and other higher-level entities. His research has applications in understanding social behaviors, altruism, and the evolution of human societies.

Authorship: David Sloan Wilson is the author of several books aimed at both academic and general audiences. His books include “Darwin’s Cathedral” (2002), which explores the evolutionary origins of religion and its role in human societies, and “Does Altruism Exist?” (2015), which examines the evolutionary basis of altruistic behaviors.

Applied Evolutionary Studies: Wilson is a proponent of applying evolutionary principles to address real-world problems, such as environmental sustainability, public health, and urban planning. He advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to solve societal challenges using insights from evolutionary biology.

Public Engagement: Wilson is actively engaged in public outreach and education about evolutionary biology. He writes for popular science publications, gives public lectures, and participates in discussions about the implications of evolutionary theory for human affairs.

Recognition: David Sloan Wilson’s contributions to evolutionary biology and his efforts to promote the integration of evolutionary thinking into diverse fields have earned him recognition and awards, including the Herman W. Block Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

David Sloan Wilson’s career has been dedicated to advancing our understanding of evolution and its applications beyond biology, into areas such as sociology, anthropology, and economics. He continues to influence both academic discourse and public understanding of how evolutionary principles shape human behavior and society.