Wilson, Edward O.
Overview
| Works: | 784 works in 2,395 publications in 14 languages and 90,201 library holdings |
|---|---|
| Genres: | Autobiographies Biography Records and correspondence Personal correspondence Conference papers and proceedings Internet videos Nonfiction television programs Documentary television programs Environmental television programs Science television programs |
| Roles: | Author, Editor, Author of introduction, Interviewee, Other, Compiler, Speaker, Illustrator, Contributor, Honoree, pre, wpr, Author of afterword, colophon, etc. |
| Classifications: | QH75, 333.95 |
Publication Timeline
.
Most widely held works about
Edward O Wilson
- Naturalist by Edward Osborne Wilson( Book )
- Letters to a young scientist by Edward O Wilson( Book )
- Defenders of the truth : the battle for science in the sociobiology debate and beyond by Ullica Segersträle( Book )
- A Darwinian worldview : sociobiology, environmental ethics and the work of Edward O. Wilson by Brian Baxter( )
- The earth dwellers : adventures in the land of ants by Erich Hoyt( Book )
- E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner : a dialogue between sociobiology and radical behaviorism by Paul Naour( )
- Edward O. Wilson by Jeffrey Bowman( )
- Lord of the ants( Visual )
- Success and dominance in ecosystems : the case of the social insects by Edward O Wilson( Book )
- E.O. Wilson : of ants and men( Visual )
- The future of life : biodiversity in the new millennium( Visual )
- Bill Moyers Journal: Biologist E.O. Wilson( Visual )
- Biologist E.O. Wilson : earth conservation corps( Visual )
- Why we are here : Mobile and the spirit of a Southern city by Edward O Wilson( Book )
- TEDTalks E. O. Wilson, TED Prize Wish, Help Build the Encyclopedia of Life( Visual )
- The future of life by Edward O Wilson( Recording )
- Sociobiology, sense or nonsense? by Michael Ruse( Book )
- Edward O. Wilson: Reflections on a Life in Science by Edward O Wilson( Visual )
- Faith of whose fathers? : a critique of the presuppostional framework of E.O. Wilson's sociobiological synthesis by Daniel Thomas McDougall( )
- Cartas a un joven cientf̕ico by Edward O Wilson( )
more
fewer
Most widely held works by
Edward O Wilson
On human nature by
Edward Osborne Wilson(
Book
)
76 editions published between 1978 and 2015 in 4 languages and held by 4,175 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Presents a philosophy based on sociobiological theory and applying the theory of natural selection to human society
76 editions published between 1978 and 2015 in 4 languages and held by 4,175 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Presents a philosophy based on sociobiological theory and applying the theory of natural selection to human society
The diversity of life by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
67 editions published between 1992 and 2010 in 4 languages and held by 3,901 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"In the Amazon Basin the greatest violence sometimes begins as a flicker of light beyond the horizon. There in the perfect bowl of the night sky, untouched by light from any human source, a thunderstorm sends its premonitory signal and begins a slow journey to the observer, who thinks: the world is about to change." Watching from the edge of the Brazilian rain forest, witness to the sort of violence nature visits upon its creatures, Edward O. Wilson reflects on the crucible of evolution, and so begins his remarkable account of how the living world became diverse and how humans are destroying that diversity. Wilson, internationally regarded as the dean of biodiversity studies, conducts us on a tour through time, traces the processes that create new species in bursts of adaptive radiation, and points out the cataclysmic events that have disrupted evolution and diminished global diversity over the past 600 million years. The five enormous natural blows to the planet (such as meteorite strikes and climatic changes) required 10 to 100 million years of evolutionary repair. The sixth great spasm of extinction on earth - caused this time entirely by humans - may be the one that breaks the crucible of life. Wilson identifies this crisis in countless ecosystems around the globe: coral reefs, grasslands, rain forests, and other natural habitats. Drawing on a variety of examples such as the decline of bird populations in the United States, the extinction of many species of freshwater fish in Africa and Asia, and the rapid disappearance of flora and fauna as the rain forests are cut down, he poignantly describes the death throes of the living worlds diversity - projected to decline as much as 20 percent by the year 2020. All evidence marshaled here resonates through Wilson's tightly reasoned call for a spirit of stewardship over the worlds biological wealth. He makes a plea for specific actions that will enhance rather than diminish not just diversity but the quality of life on earth. Cutting through the tangle of environmental issues that often obscure the real concern, Wilson maintains that the era of confrontation between forces for the preservation of nature and those for economic development is over; he convincingly drives home the point that both aims can, and must, be integrated. Unparalleled in its range and depth, Wilson's masterwork is essential reading for those who care about preserving the worlds biological variety and ensuring our planets health
67 editions published between 1992 and 2010 in 4 languages and held by 3,901 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"In the Amazon Basin the greatest violence sometimes begins as a flicker of light beyond the horizon. There in the perfect bowl of the night sky, untouched by light from any human source, a thunderstorm sends its premonitory signal and begins a slow journey to the observer, who thinks: the world is about to change." Watching from the edge of the Brazilian rain forest, witness to the sort of violence nature visits upon its creatures, Edward O. Wilson reflects on the crucible of evolution, and so begins his remarkable account of how the living world became diverse and how humans are destroying that diversity. Wilson, internationally regarded as the dean of biodiversity studies, conducts us on a tour through time, traces the processes that create new species in bursts of adaptive radiation, and points out the cataclysmic events that have disrupted evolution and diminished global diversity over the past 600 million years. The five enormous natural blows to the planet (such as meteorite strikes and climatic changes) required 10 to 100 million years of evolutionary repair. The sixth great spasm of extinction on earth - caused this time entirely by humans - may be the one that breaks the crucible of life. Wilson identifies this crisis in countless ecosystems around the globe: coral reefs, grasslands, rain forests, and other natural habitats. Drawing on a variety of examples such as the decline of bird populations in the United States, the extinction of many species of freshwater fish in Africa and Asia, and the rapid disappearance of flora and fauna as the rain forests are cut down, he poignantly describes the death throes of the living worlds diversity - projected to decline as much as 20 percent by the year 2020. All evidence marshaled here resonates through Wilson's tightly reasoned call for a spirit of stewardship over the worlds biological wealth. He makes a plea for specific actions that will enhance rather than diminish not just diversity but the quality of life on earth. Cutting through the tangle of environmental issues that often obscure the real concern, Wilson maintains that the era of confrontation between forces for the preservation of nature and those for economic development is over; he convincingly drives home the point that both aims can, and must, be integrated. Unparalleled in its range and depth, Wilson's masterwork is essential reading for those who care about preserving the worlds biological variety and ensuring our planets health
Sociobiology : the new synthesis by
Edward Osborne Wilson(
Book
)
101 editions published between 1975 and 2002 in 3 languages and held by 3,485 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
When this classic work was first published in 1975, it created a new discipline and started a tumultuous round in the age-old nature versus nurture debate. Although voted by officers and fellows of the international Animal Behavior Society the most important book on animal behavior of all time, Sociobiology is probably more widely known as the object of bitter attacks by social scientists and other scholars who opposed its claim that human social behavior, indeed human nature, has a biological foundation. The controversy surrounding the publication of the book reverberates to the present day. In the introduction to this edition, Edward O. Wilson shows how research in human genetics and neuroscience has strengthened the case for a biological understanding of human nature. Human sociobiology, now often called evolutionary psychology, has in the last quarter of a century emerged as its own field of study, drawing on theory and data from both biology and the social sciences. For its still fresh and beautifully illustrated descriptions of animal societies, and its importance as a crucial step forward in the understanding of human beings, this anniversary edition of Sociobiology: the new synthesis will be welcomed by a new generation of students and scholars in all branches of learning
101 editions published between 1975 and 2002 in 3 languages and held by 3,485 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
When this classic work was first published in 1975, it created a new discipline and started a tumultuous round in the age-old nature versus nurture debate. Although voted by officers and fellows of the international Animal Behavior Society the most important book on animal behavior of all time, Sociobiology is probably more widely known as the object of bitter attacks by social scientists and other scholars who opposed its claim that human social behavior, indeed human nature, has a biological foundation. The controversy surrounding the publication of the book reverberates to the present day. In the introduction to this edition, Edward O. Wilson shows how research in human genetics and neuroscience has strengthened the case for a biological understanding of human nature. Human sociobiology, now often called evolutionary psychology, has in the last quarter of a century emerged as its own field of study, drawing on theory and data from both biology and the social sciences. For its still fresh and beautifully illustrated descriptions of animal societies, and its importance as a crucial step forward in the understanding of human beings, this anniversary edition of Sociobiology: the new synthesis will be welcomed by a new generation of students and scholars in all branches of learning
Biodiversity II : understanding and protecting our biological resources by
Marjorie L Reaka-Kudla(
)
25 editions published between 1996 and 1997 in English and Undetermined and held by 3,388 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Biodiversity is the whole of life on Earth - and every day it is diminished as human population growth and exploitation of land causes the extinction of animal and plant species. If the world does not act quickly and cooperatively, species numbering into the millions will be doomed. In the process, we lose opportunities in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and a host of other human endeavors. This is the warning sounded by some of the world's most renowned environmental authorities in Biodiversity II. In words meaningful to lay readers and scientists alike, this book alerts us that we may soon be bereft of species that could help us fight disease and produce useful products - not to mention bringing us the wonder of natural life. Unlike other books on the topic, Biodiversity II tells us what can and must be done right now to preserve life on Earth. The experts who lend their voices to Biodiversity II explain how scientists study biodiversity, what they have learned about the scope of life on the planet, and what urgent questions remain. These experts advocate the fusion of resources already at our command - government biological surveys, private agencies, museum collections, universities - into a more effective force to better understand and protect the wealth of the natural world
25 editions published between 1996 and 1997 in English and Undetermined and held by 3,388 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Biodiversity is the whole of life on Earth - and every day it is diminished as human population growth and exploitation of land causes the extinction of animal and plant species. If the world does not act quickly and cooperatively, species numbering into the millions will be doomed. In the process, we lose opportunities in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and a host of other human endeavors. This is the warning sounded by some of the world's most renowned environmental authorities in Biodiversity II. In words meaningful to lay readers and scientists alike, this book alerts us that we may soon be bereft of species that could help us fight disease and produce useful products - not to mention bringing us the wonder of natural life. Unlike other books on the topic, Biodiversity II tells us what can and must be done right now to preserve life on Earth. The experts who lend their voices to Biodiversity II explain how scientists study biodiversity, what they have learned about the scope of life on the planet, and what urgent questions remain. These experts advocate the fusion of resources already at our command - government biological surveys, private agencies, museum collections, universities - into a more effective force to better understand and protect the wealth of the natural world
Consilience : the unity of knowledge by
Edward Osborne Wilson(
Book
)
72 editions published between 1998 and 2010 in 4 languages and held by 3,128 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Biologist Wilson, considered to be one of the world's greatest living scientists, argues for the fundamental unity of all knowledge, that everything in our world is organized in terms of a small number of fundamental natural laws. Wilson, the pioneer of sociobiology and biodiversity, now once again breaks out of the conventions of current thinking. He shows how and why our explosive rise in intellectual mastery of the truths of our universe has its roots in the ancient Greek concept of an intrinsic orderliness that governs our cosmos--a vision that found its apogee in the Age of Enlightenment, then gradually was lost in the increasing fragmentation and specialization of knowledge in the last two centuries. Drawing on the physical sciences and biology, anthropology, psychology, religion, philosophy, and the arts, Professor Wilson shows why the goals of the original Enlightenment are reappearing on the frontiers of science and humanistic scholarship.--From publisher description
72 editions published between 1998 and 2010 in 4 languages and held by 3,128 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Biologist Wilson, considered to be one of the world's greatest living scientists, argues for the fundamental unity of all knowledge, that everything in our world is organized in terms of a small number of fundamental natural laws. Wilson, the pioneer of sociobiology and biodiversity, now once again breaks out of the conventions of current thinking. He shows how and why our explosive rise in intellectual mastery of the truths of our universe has its roots in the ancient Greek concept of an intrinsic orderliness that governs our cosmos--a vision that found its apogee in the Age of Enlightenment, then gradually was lost in the increasing fragmentation and specialization of knowledge in the last two centuries. Drawing on the physical sciences and biology, anthropology, psychology, religion, philosophy, and the arts, Professor Wilson shows why the goals of the original Enlightenment are reappearing on the frontiers of science and humanistic scholarship.--From publisher description
Biodiversity by
National Forum on Biodiversity (1986: Washington D.C.)(
Book
)
47 editions published between 1988 and 1999 in 3 languages and held by 3,081 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
This important book for scientists and nonscientists alike calls attention to a most urgent global problem: the rapidly accelerating loss of plant and animal species to increasing human population pressure and the demands of economic development. Based on a major conference sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution, Biodiversity creates a systematic framework for analyzing the problem and searching for possible solutions
47 editions published between 1988 and 1999 in 3 languages and held by 3,081 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
This important book for scientists and nonscientists alike calls attention to a most urgent global problem: the rapidly accelerating loss of plant and animal species to increasing human population pressure and the demands of economic development. Based on a major conference sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution, Biodiversity creates a systematic framework for analyzing the problem and searching for possible solutions
The future of life by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
36 editions published between 2001 and 2016 in 3 languages and held by 3,041 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Examines the richness of the natural world, how it is currently being threatened, and what can be done to safeguard it
36 editions published between 2001 and 2016 in 3 languages and held by 3,041 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Examines the richness of the natural world, how it is currently being threatened, and what can be done to safeguard it
Biophilia by
Edward Osborne Wilson(
Book
)
34 editions published between 1984 and 2009 in 3 languages and held by 2,752 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
The eminent biologist reflects on his own response to nature and the aesthetic aspects of his exploration of natural systems in an intensely personal essay that examines the essential links between mankind and the rest of the living world
34 editions published between 1984 and 2009 in 3 languages and held by 2,752 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
The eminent biologist reflects on his own response to nature and the aesthetic aspects of his exploration of natural systems in an intensely personal essay that examines the essential links between mankind and the rest of the living world
The creation : an appeal to save life on earth by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
11 editions published between 2006 and 2007 in English and held by 2,196 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Like Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, this is a book about the fate of the earth and the survival of our planet. Wilson attempts to bridge the seemingly irreconcilable worlds of fundamentalism and science. Passionately concerned about the state of the world, he draws on his own personal experiences and expertise as an entomologist, and prophesies that half the species of plants and animals on Earth could either have gone or at least are fated for early extinction by the end of our present century. This is not a bitter, predictable rant against fundamentalist Christians or deniers of Darwin; rather, Wilson, a leading "secular humanist," draws upon his own rich background as a boy in Alabama who "took the waters," and seeks not to condemn this new generation of Christians but to address them on their own terms.--From publisher description
11 editions published between 2006 and 2007 in English and held by 2,196 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Like Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, this is a book about the fate of the earth and the survival of our planet. Wilson attempts to bridge the seemingly irreconcilable worlds of fundamentalism and science. Passionately concerned about the state of the world, he draws on his own personal experiences and expertise as an entomologist, and prophesies that half the species of plants and animals on Earth could either have gone or at least are fated for early extinction by the end of our present century. This is not a bitter, predictable rant against fundamentalist Christians or deniers of Darwin; rather, Wilson, a leading "secular humanist," draws upon his own rich background as a boy in Alabama who "took the waters," and seeks not to condemn this new generation of Christians but to address them on their own terms.--From publisher description
The social conquest of earth by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
24 editions published between 2012 and 2013 in English and Korean and held by 2,148 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
From the most celebrated heir to Darwin comes a groundbreaking book on evolution, the summa work of Edward O. Wilson's legendary career
24 editions published between 2012 and 2013 in English and Korean and held by 2,148 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
From the most celebrated heir to Darwin comes a groundbreaking book on evolution, the summa work of Edward O. Wilson's legendary career
In search of nature by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
28 editions published between 1996 and 2013 in 4 languages and held by 2,121 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"Perhaps more than any other scientist of our century, Edward O. Wilson has scrutinized animals in their natural settings, tweezing out the dynamics of their social organization, their relationship with their environments, and their behavior, not only for what it tell us about the animals themselves, but for what it can tell us about human nature and our own behavior. He has brought the fascinating and sometimes surprising results of these studies to general readers through a remarkable collection of books, including The Diversity of Life, The Ants, On Human Nature, and Sociobiology. The grace and precision with which he writes of seemingly complex topics has earned him two Pulitzer prizes, and the admiration of scientists and general readers around the world." "This book is a lively and accessible introduction to the writings of one of the most brilliant scientists of the 20th century. Imaginatively illustrated by noted artist Laura Southworth, it is a book all readers will treasure."--Jacket
28 editions published between 1996 and 2013 in 4 languages and held by 2,121 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"Perhaps more than any other scientist of our century, Edward O. Wilson has scrutinized animals in their natural settings, tweezing out the dynamics of their social organization, their relationship with their environments, and their behavior, not only for what it tell us about the animals themselves, but for what it can tell us about human nature and our own behavior. He has brought the fascinating and sometimes surprising results of these studies to general readers through a remarkable collection of books, including The Diversity of Life, The Ants, On Human Nature, and Sociobiology. The grace and precision with which he writes of seemingly complex topics has earned him two Pulitzer prizes, and the admiration of scientists and general readers around the world." "This book is a lively and accessible introduction to the writings of one of the most brilliant scientists of the 20th century. Imaginatively illustrated by noted artist Laura Southworth, it is a book all readers will treasure."--Jacket
The ants by
Bert Hölldobler(
Book
)
17 editions published in 1990 in English and Undetermined and held by 2,092 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Reviews in detail all topics in the anatomy, physiology, social organization, ecology, and natural history of ants
17 editions published in 1990 in English and Undetermined and held by 2,092 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Reviews in detail all topics in the anatomy, physiology, social organization, ecology, and natural history of ants
Silent spring by
Rachel Carson(
Book
)
9 editions published between 1962 and 2012 in English and held by 2,053 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"Rarely does a single book alter the course of history, but Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' did exactly that. The outcry that followed its publication in 1962 forced the banning of DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. Carson's passionate concern for the future of our planet reverberated powerfully throughout the world, and her elequent book was instrumental in launching the environmental movement. It is without question one of the landmark books of the twentieth century"--Back cover
9 editions published between 1962 and 2012 in English and held by 2,053 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"Rarely does a single book alter the course of history, but Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' did exactly that. The outcry that followed its publication in 1962 forced the banning of DDT and spurred revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. Carson's passionate concern for the future of our planet reverberated powerfully throughout the world, and her elequent book was instrumental in launching the environmental movement. It is without question one of the landmark books of the twentieth century"--Back cover
Journey to the ants : a story of scientific exploration by
Bert Hölldobler(
Book
)
45 editions published between 1994 and 2016 in 7 languages and held by 1,897 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
A window on the world of ants as well as those who study them, this book will be a rich source of knowledge and pleasure for anyone who has ever stopped to wonder about the miniature yet immense civilization at our feet
45 editions published between 1994 and 2016 in 7 languages and held by 1,897 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
A window on the world of ants as well as those who study them, this book will be a rich source of knowledge and pleasure for anyone who has ever stopped to wonder about the miniature yet immense civilization at our feet
The insect societies by
Edward Osborne Wilson(
Book
)
42 editions published between 1971 and 1992 in English and held by 1,851 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
A study of insect sociology, presenting individual investigations of wasps, ants, bees, and termites, and discussing caste, behavior, communication, symbioses, and other topics
42 editions published between 1971 and 1992 in English and held by 1,851 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
A study of insect sociology, presenting individual investigations of wasps, ants, bees, and termites, and discussing caste, behavior, communication, symbioses, and other topics
The superorganism : the beauty, elegance, and strangeness of insect societies by
Bert Hölldobler(
Book
)
12 editions published between 2008 and 2009 in English and held by 1,828 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
The Pulitzer Prize-winning authors of Ants present a lavishly detailed account of the extraordinary lives of social insects that draws on more than two decades of research and offers insight into how bees, termites, and other insect societies thrive in systems of altruistic cooperation, complex communication, and labor division
12 editions published between 2008 and 2009 in English and held by 1,828 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
The Pulitzer Prize-winning authors of Ants present a lavishly detailed account of the extraordinary lives of social insects that draws on more than two decades of research and offers insight into how bees, termites, and other insect societies thrive in systems of altruistic cooperation, complex communication, and labor division
The meaning of human existence by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
21 editions published between 2014 and 2016 in 4 languages and held by 1,794 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
In The Meaning of Human Existence, his most philosophical work to date, Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist Edward O. Wilson examines what makes human beings supremely different from all other species and posits that we, as a species, now know enough about the universe and ourselves that we can begin to approach questions about our place in the cosmos and the meaning of intelligent life in a systematic, indeed, in a testable way
21 editions published between 2014 and 2016 in 4 languages and held by 1,794 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
In The Meaning of Human Existence, his most philosophical work to date, Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist Edward O. Wilson examines what makes human beings supremely different from all other species and posits that we, as a species, now know enough about the universe and ourselves that we can begin to approach questions about our place in the cosmos and the meaning of intelligent life in a systematic, indeed, in a testable way
The theory of island biogeography by
Robert H MacArthur(
Book
)
42 editions published between 1967 and 2016 in 4 languages and held by 1,685 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
A youngster debates the fine points of the trucks he would like to drive: the snow plow, delivery truck, dump truck, and the fire engine
42 editions published between 1967 and 2016 in 4 languages and held by 1,685 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
A youngster debates the fine points of the trucks he would like to drive: the snow plow, delivery truck, dump truck, and the fire engine
The Biophilia hypothesis by
Stephen R Kellert(
Book
)
14 editions published between 1993 and 2013 in English and Japanese and held by 1,650 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson, author of The Diversity of Life and winner of two Pulitzer prizes, to describe what he believes is our innate affinity for the natural world. In his landmark book Biophilia, he examined how our tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes might be a biologically based need, integral to our development as individuals and as a species. The idea has caught the imagination of diverse thinkers. The Biophilia Hypothesis brings together the views of some of the most creative scientists of our time, each attempting to amplify and refine the concept of biophilia. The various perspectives - psychological, biological, cultural, symbolic, and aesthetic - frame the theoretical issues by presenting empirical evidence that supports or refutes the hypothesis. Numerous examples illustrate the idea that biophilia and its converse, biophobia, have a genetic component: people develop fear and even full-blown phobias of snakes and spiders with very little negative reinforcement, while more threatening modern artifacts - knives, guns, automobiles - rarely elicit such a response; people would rather look at water, green vegetation, or flowers than built structures of glass and concrete; and the development of language, myth, and thought appears to be greatly dependent on the use of natural symbols, particularly animals. The biophilia hypothesis, if substantiated, provides a powerful argument for the conservation of biological diversity. More important, it implies serious consequences for our well-being as society becomes further estranged from the natural world. Relentless environmental destruction could have a significant impact on our quality of life, not just materially but psychologically and even spiritually
14 editions published between 1993 and 2013 in English and Japanese and held by 1,650 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
"Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson, author of The Diversity of Life and winner of two Pulitzer prizes, to describe what he believes is our innate affinity for the natural world. In his landmark book Biophilia, he examined how our tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes might be a biologically based need, integral to our development as individuals and as a species. The idea has caught the imagination of diverse thinkers. The Biophilia Hypothesis brings together the views of some of the most creative scientists of our time, each attempting to amplify and refine the concept of biophilia. The various perspectives - psychological, biological, cultural, symbolic, and aesthetic - frame the theoretical issues by presenting empirical evidence that supports or refutes the hypothesis. Numerous examples illustrate the idea that biophilia and its converse, biophobia, have a genetic component: people develop fear and even full-blown phobias of snakes and spiders with very little negative reinforcement, while more threatening modern artifacts - knives, guns, automobiles - rarely elicit such a response; people would rather look at water, green vegetation, or flowers than built structures of glass and concrete; and the development of language, myth, and thought appears to be greatly dependent on the use of natural symbols, particularly animals. The biophilia hypothesis, if substantiated, provides a powerful argument for the conservation of biological diversity. More important, it implies serious consequences for our well-being as society becomes further estranged from the natural world. Relentless environmental destruction could have a significant impact on our quality of life, not just materially but psychologically and even spiritually
Half-earth : our planet's fight for life by
Edward O Wilson(
Book
)
9 editions published between 2016 and 2017 in English and Chinese and held by 1,636 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Half-Earth proposes an achievable plan to save our imperiled biosphere: devote half the surface of the Earth to nature. In order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet, says Edward O. Wilson in his most impassioned book to date. Half-Earth argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal and proposes a solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature. If we are to undertake such an ambitious endeavor, we first must understand just what the biosphere is, why it's essential to our survival, and the manifold threats now facing it. In doing so, Wilson describes how our species, in only a mere blink of geological time, became the architects and rulers of this epoch and outlines the consequences of this that will affect all of life, both ours and the natural world, far into the future. Half-Earth provides an enormously moving and naturalistic portrait of just what is being lost when we clip "twigs and eventually whole branches of life's family tree." In elegiac prose, Wilson documents the many ongoing extinctions that are imminent, paying tribute to creatures great and small, not the least of them the two Sumatran rhinos whom he encounters in captivity. Uniquely, Half-Earth considers not only the large animals and star species of plants but also the millions of invertebrate animals and microorganisms that, despite being overlooked, form the foundations of Earth's ecosystems. In stinging language, he avers that the biosphere does not belong to us and addresses many fallacious notions such as the idea that ongoing extinctions can be balanced out by the introduction of alien species into new ecosystems or that extinct species might be brought back through cloning. This includes a critique of the "anthropocenists," a fashionable collection of revisionist environmentalists who believe that the human species alone can be saved through engineering and technology. Despite the Earth's parlous condition, Wilson is no doomsayer, resigned to fatalism. Defying prevailing conventional wisdom, he suggests that we still have time to put aside half the Earth and identifies actual spots where Earth's biodiversity can still be reclaimed. Suffused with a profound Darwinian understanding of our planet's fragility, Half-Earth reverberates with an urgency like few other books, but it offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life. - Publisher
9 editions published between 2016 and 2017 in English and Chinese and held by 1,636 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Half-Earth proposes an achievable plan to save our imperiled biosphere: devote half the surface of the Earth to nature. In order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet, says Edward O. Wilson in his most impassioned book to date. Half-Earth argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal and proposes a solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature. If we are to undertake such an ambitious endeavor, we first must understand just what the biosphere is, why it's essential to our survival, and the manifold threats now facing it. In doing so, Wilson describes how our species, in only a mere blink of geological time, became the architects and rulers of this epoch and outlines the consequences of this that will affect all of life, both ours and the natural world, far into the future. Half-Earth provides an enormously moving and naturalistic portrait of just what is being lost when we clip "twigs and eventually whole branches of life's family tree." In elegiac prose, Wilson documents the many ongoing extinctions that are imminent, paying tribute to creatures great and small, not the least of them the two Sumatran rhinos whom he encounters in captivity. Uniquely, Half-Earth considers not only the large animals and star species of plants but also the millions of invertebrate animals and microorganisms that, despite being overlooked, form the foundations of Earth's ecosystems. In stinging language, he avers that the biosphere does not belong to us and addresses many fallacious notions such as the idea that ongoing extinctions can be balanced out by the introduction of alien species into new ecosystems or that extinct species might be brought back through cloning. This includes a critique of the "anthropocenists," a fashionable collection of revisionist environmentalists who believe that the human species alone can be saved through engineering and technology. Despite the Earth's parlous condition, Wilson is no doomsayer, resigned to fatalism. Defying prevailing conventional wisdom, he suggests that we still have time to put aside half the Earth and identifies actual spots where Earth's biodiversity can still be reclaimed. Suffused with a profound Darwinian understanding of our planet's fragility, Half-Earth reverberates with an urgency like few other books, but it offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life. - Publisher
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Related Identities
- Hölldobler, Bert 1936- Author
- Wilson, Don E. Other Editor
- Reaka-Kudla, Marjorie L. Other Author Editor
- Peter, Frances M. Editor
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Academy of Sciences (U.S.)
- Lumsden, Charles J. 1949- Author
- Carson, Rachel 1907-1964 Author
- Lear, Linda J. 1940- Author of introduction
- Darwin, Charles 1809-1882 Author
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Associated Subjects
Ants Ants--Research Biodiversity Biodiversity conservation Biodiversity conservation--Philosophy Biogeography Biologists Biology Biology--Philosophy Biosphere reserves Brown, William L., Creation Endangered species Environmental degradation Evolution (Biology)--Philosophy Hölldobler, Bert, Human beings Human ecology Human ecology--Philosophy Human evolution--Philosophy Insect pests--Biological control Insects--Evolution Insect societies Insects--Research Island ecology Leaf-cutting ants Myrmecologists Naturalists Nature and nurture Nature conservation Nature conservation--Philosophy Nature--Effect of human beings on Order (Philosophy) Pesticides and wildlife Pesticides--Environmental aspects Pesticides--Toxicology Philosophical anthropology Philosophy Philosophy and science Philosophy of nature Science Social behavior in animals Social behavior in animals--Philosophy Social Darwinism Social evolution--Philosophy Sociobiology Sociobiology--Philosophy United States Wildlife conservation Wilson, Edward O
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Alternative Names
E.O. Wilson
Edgar Wilson
Edvards Osborns Vilsons
Edward O. Wilson ahli biologi asal Amerika Serikat
Edward O. Wilson American biologist
Edward O. Wilson US-amerikanischer Entomologe und Biologe
Edward Osborne Wilson
Edward Osborne Wilson Amerikaans entomoloog
Edward Osborne Wilson amerykański biolog
Edward Osborne Wilson Biòleg estatunidenc
Edward Osborne Wilson biologo statunitense
Edward Osborne Wilson usona biologo
Osborne Wilson, Edward 1929-
Weiersen
Weiersen 1929-
Weierxun, Aidehua
Weierxun, Aidehua 1929-
Wilson E.O.
Wilson, E.O. 1929-
Wilson, E. O. 1929- (Edward O.)
Wilson, E. O. (Edward O.)
Wilson, E. O. (Edward Osborne), 1929-
Wilson, Edward 1929-
Wilson Edward O.
Wilson, Edward O. 1929-
Wilson, Edward O. (Edward Osborne)
Wilson, Edward O. ((Edward Osborne), 1929-
Wilson Edward Osborne
Wilson, Edward Osborne 1929-
Wilsonas Edwardas O.
Wiruson, Edowādo O.
Wiruson Edowādo O. 1929-....
Έντουαρντ Όσμπορν Γουίλσον Αμερικανός βιολόγος
Едвард Озборн Вилсон американски биолог
Едвард Осборн Вілсон
Едуард Уилсън
Уилсон, Эдвард Осборн, 1929-
Уилсон, Эдвард Осборн американский биолог, социобиолог, мирмеколог, эколог, писатель
אדוארד וילסון
إدوارد أوسبورن ويلسون
ادوارد ویلسون
ಎ.ಒ ವಿಲ್ಸನ್
ഇ. ഒ. വിൽസൺ
에드워드 오스본 윌슨
윌슨, 에드워드 1929-
윌슨, 에드워드 O. 1929-
윌슨, 에드워드 오스본 1929-
윌슨, 에드워드 오즈번 1929-
ウィルソン, E. O.
ウィルソン, エドワード・O.
エドワード・オズボーン・ウィルソン
艾德華·威爾森
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