Mutual Aid a Factor of Evolution: A Study of Cooperation in Nature and Human Society - Softcover

Kropotkin, Kniaz Petr Alekseevich

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1617207233 ISBN 13: 9781617207235

Publisher: SMK Books, 2012

Synopsis

Written partly in response to Social Darwinism and in particular to Thomas H. Huxley's Nineteenth Century essay, "The Struggle for Existence", Kropotkin's book drew on his experiences in scientific expeditions in Siberia to illustrate the phenomenon of cooperation. After examining the evidence of cooperation in nonhuman animals, pre-feudal societies, in medieval cities, and in modern times, he concludes that cooperation and mutual aid are the most important factors in the evolution of the species and the ability to survive.

About this title

About the Author

Kniaz Petr Alekseevich Kropotkin (1842-1921), commonly known as Peter Kropotkin, was a Russian geographer, naturalist, and political thinker whose work addressed both scientific and social questions. Originally trained in the natural sciences, he conducted research in geography and zoology before turning to broader issues of social organisation, cooperation, and political theory.Kropotkin is widely associated with anarchist thought, though his writings extend beyond political philosophy into the study of natural systems and human societies. Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution, first published in 1902, is one of his most influential works, combining scientific observation with social analysis to argue for the importance of cooperation as a factor in both biological and cultural development. The work continues to be read in discussions of evolution, sociology, and the history of scientific ideas.

Edition details

• Publisher: SMK Books
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1617207233
• ISBN 13: 9781617207235
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 178