Tanghe, Koen B. (2025) The Selfish Gene at 50: How a Milestone can also be a Millstone. Theoretical Biology Forum, 118 (1-2). pp. 47-66. ISSN 2282-2593

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Abstract

Its fiftieth anniversary seems like a good occasion to com-
pare Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene (1976) with other science classics. As is often the case with influen-
tial ideas, its core message is deeply rooted in earlier thought. Moreover, because of the specific, sociobiological
context in which it emerged, that message was advanced for the wrong reason – as a misguided argument against group selection – for which there are also important precedents.
Furthermore, as is often the case when important insights gain traction through a landmark publication, The
Selfish Gene provoked controversy, which in this instance was intensified by its sociobiological origins. Yet in
one crucial respect, Dawkins’ book differs from other classics. Whereas new theories typically evolve beyond
their initial breakthrough, Dawkins’ original and controversial selfish genetheory has remained remarkably
influential. This historical anomaly can be linked to the “messy patchwork of several loosely connected subfields”
that make up evolutionary biology. Seen in this broader historical light, The Selfish Gene stands out, not
only as a scientific milestone, but also as an atypical millstone for the message it conveyed.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Tanghe, Koen B. kbt.ugent@gmail.com 0000-0002-5090-4767
Keywords:	Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene, Group Selection, Units of Selection, August Weismann.
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
Depositing User:	Dr. Koen B. Tanghe
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2026 14:00
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2026 14:00
Item ID:	28328
Journal or Publication Title:	Theoretical Biology Forum
Publisher:	Fabrizio Serra Editore
Official URL:	http://www.libraweb.net/riviste.php?chiave=114
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.19272/202511402005
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
Date:	2025
Page Range:	pp. 47-66
Volume:	118
Number:	1-2
ISSN:	2282-2593
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28328

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