S/S/16. All behaviour is essentially selfish: Reciprocal altruism, kin selection and the reasons behind social behaviour.

In all actions, both in humans and non-humans, the question must be asked, what is that behaviour, or adaptation's, ultimate purpose? It most likely will be found to have positive effects, however indirectly, on the future of that individual's genes. It is on this premise that the author asserts that all behaviour is essentially selfish. The concepts of reciprocal althruism and kin selection are explored, using case studies such as the eusocial insects, in order to prove that the primary motive behind all actions is to ensure the success of one's genes.