Darwin Day 2026

The Selfish Gene at 50
A philosopher’s perspective

Samir Okasha
Professor of philosophy
of science and biology

Tuesday 24 March at 16:15 in Egget, Studentsenteret.
Coffee and refreshments will be served from 15:45.

Richard Dawkins’ book The Selfish Gene, first published in 1976, had a powerful impact on the practice of evolutionary biology, on the popular understanding of evolutionary ideas, and on a number of other academic disciplines. In this talk I offer some philosophical reflections on the intellectual context and legacy of Dawkins’ work. I examine the core tenets of the “gene’s eye view of evolution” and consider their status in the light of modern biological knowledge. I argue that despite the criticisms levelled against Dawkins’ views, and despite the scientific advances of the last fifty years, many of his insights are importantly correct and stand the test of time. I then reflect briefly on whether the doctrine of the selfish gene has any implications for understanding human behaviour.

Everyone is welcome! The lecture is intended for a wide audience, will be held in English, and is part of the Horizons seminar series of the Faculty of Science and Technology dedicated to big questions. Coffee and refreshments will be served from 15:45.
 

Darwin Day 2026 receives economic support from Selskapet til Vitenskapenes Fremme.

Why is the Darwin Day celebrated? Who is behind the Darwin Day in Bergen? The Darwin Day 2026 in Oslo will take place in September.     Earlier events: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.