Department of Psychology and Ph.D. Subprogram in Biopsychology, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, New York 10021, USA
David Haig's intragenomic conflict theory concerning the possible
evolutionary origins of genomic imprinting is discussed. It
is suggested that a useful way in which one might represent
Haig's theory to a popular audience would be by emphasizing
a gene's eye viewpoint. In doing so, an author may help to dispel
common misconceptions about evolution and natural selection,
misconceptions which arise in part from an overemphasis on the
individual, rather than the gene, when discussing natural selection.
Although it is possible to view either the gene or the individual
as a unit of natural selection, our own proclivity towards overemphasizing
the role of individuals in evolution is seen as a common impediment
to a more complete understanding of both natural selection,
as well as the philosophical implications arising from a gene's
eye view of evolutionary theory.
