In a ten minute speech before Science B-15, "Evolutionary Biology," taught by E.O. Wilson, Baird Professor of Science, a spokesman for the International Committee Against Racism (INCAR) reiterated his organization's charge that sociobiology is a racist theory.
Appearing as an invited speaker, Allan Weisinger, an extension student, accused Wilson of helping to bolster movements such as the Ku Klux Klan and the right-wing National Front of England.
Amid hisses and jeers from the class, Weisinger said that sociobiology is a "political" theory which, instead of aiding societal development, increases the propensity for war. "How else do leaders get people to fight in war?" he asked, arguing that "a political theory for inferiority" provides a popular excuse.
Responding to Weisinger's accusations, Wilson, who has outlined his theory in his book On Human Nature said the INCAR was following "a tortured line of reasoning." He added that he was puzzled by the organization's failure to acknowledge that sociobiology is "an enduring argument against racism."
Both Weisinger and Wilson acknowledged the need for more extensive public debate on the issue. "The subject needs to be examined in detail in an academic environment from all points of view," Wilson said.
Read more in News
Princeton Basketball Team Annihilates Crimson 87-56 Bradley Scores 51 Points, Sets All-Time Mark for IviesRecommended Articles
-
Sociobiology: A Positive ViewIt is unfortunate that the criticism recently addressed to E.O. Wilson's Sociobiology by many individuals in the Harvard and Boston
-
The Natural vs. the NaturalP ASSED THROUGH an ideological sieve, scientific theories and research often become strained and shredded, exiting in pieces that no
-
Science For the People?To the Editors of The Crimson: I do not profess to be a sociobiologist, but I admit to a certain
-
Wilson Gives Biology Lecture, Urges New Conservation EthicMost of the audience that attended E.O. Wilson's lecture last night expected the Baird Professor of Science to discuss his
-
Group Pickets Wilson Lecture; Crowd Packs Science CenterTwo Science Center lecture halls were overflowing last night with an audience waiting to hear E. O. Wilson, Baird Professor
-
PropagandaTo the Editors of the Crimson: While reading "Group Attacks Wilson's Sociobiology" (December 13), I was disappointed to find that