Changes

=="Selfish" genes==

=="Selfish" genes==

In describing genes as being "selfish", the author does not intend (as he states unequivocally in the work) to imply  that they are driven by any motives or will – merely that their effects can be accurately described ''as if'' they do. The contention is that the genes that get passed on are the ones whose consequences serve their own implicit interests (to continue being replicated), not necessarily those of the organism, much less any larger level.  This view explains altruism at the individual level in nature, especially in kin relationships (when an individual sacrifices its own life to protect the lives of kin, it is acting in the interest of its own genes).

In describing genes as being "selfish", the author does not intend (as he states unequivocally in the work) to imply  that they are driven by any motives or will – merely that their effects can be accurately described ''as if'' they do. The contention is that the genes that get passed on are the ones whose consequences serve their own implicit interests (to continue being replicated), not necessarily those of the organism, much less any larger level.  This view explains altruism at the individual level in nature, especially in kin relationships (when an individual sacrifices its own life to protect the lives of kin, it is acting in the interest of its own genes).