Edward Osborne Wilson
Sociobiologist
June 10, 1929
Astrological Sign: Gemini
American entomologist and theorist who- inspired by the complexity of ants- revolutionized the scientific world. After discovering the first known colonies of fire ants at age 13, E.O. Wilson went on to walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, expanding upon his ideas of natural selection. In coining the terms “biodiversity” and “sociobiology”, he proposed that evolution can relate to physical and behavioral characteristics and argued for the primacy of biology over culture.
Strengths: Scientific humanists, environmental advocate, founder of sociobiology.
Weaknesses: Ideas accused of being racist and misogynistic, suggesting some races are superior to others.
Special Features: Won the National Medal of Science, Craaford Prize, and two Pullitzers, among many other prestigious honors. Named one of Time Magazines “25 Most Influential People in
Sociobiology: The New Synthesis (1975)
On Human Nature (1978)
Promethean Fire: Reflections on the Origins of the Mind (1983)
The Ants (1990)
The Diversity of Life (1992)
Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge (1998)
The Naturalist (2006)