Darwinism Applied: Evolutionary Paths to Social Goals by John Beckatrom (Book review)

Abstract

This slender volume would show that the arcane knowledge assembled by biobehavioral scientists has applications that taxpayers can recognize as relevant and salutary. The author's credibility in this venture is good. As an academic lawyer, Beckstrom was among the first to apply sociobiology to law enforcement matters and to legal design. That background selects the social problems discussed here, for nearly all deal with questions emerging in family courts. Beckstrom also undertakes to define the relation between sociobiology as a body of knowledge and its application. It is essentially the client-consultant relation. Clients - he calls them "social planners" - identify problems to be solved and goals to be reached. The consultant's task is to supply the goods needed to satisfy the client's goals. Beckstrom likens himself to a travel agent who depends on the client to specify the destination and purpose of the journey. His job is to facilitate the journey.