Hi LS:
Picked up the paper this morning to discover another confirmation of the
MOQ. From the Associated Press, the headline was: “Biology called
basis of sexual infidelity.”
Here are a few excerpts, illustrating the battle for dominance between the
biological and social levels:
"Only about 10 percent of birds and mammals that seem to mate for life
are actually faithful to their partners,” according to studies that suggest
infidelity may be nature's way. Blame it on biology, say the experts.
“’True monogamy actually is rare,' said Stephen T. Emlen, an expert on
evolutionary behavior at Cornell University. He describes a great
difference between 'social monogamy,' where mating pairs bond and
work together to raise their young, and 'genetic monogamy' where
parents are faithful sex partners.
"Social monogamy is relatively common, but genetic monogamy is the
exception rather than the rule, the studies report.
"Emlen said female birds and mammals that seek sexual partners outside
their partnership may be pushed by the biological drive to produce the
best possible children. 'One of the patterns is that females seek males of
high status and high quality,' he said. 'By doing so, they are able to
produce offspring of higher quality that will be able to do better and
survive better.’”
Maybe Mr. Emlen read LILA with all his talk of "drives," “better,” "best,”
"patterns," and "high quality."
I’m always amused by scientists who in one breath speak like Mr. Emlen
and then in the next breath claim that the universe shows no evidence of
purpose.
Incidentally, the battle going on the U.S. now between those who think
President Clinton should be excused on the grounds that everybody lies
about sex and those who think he should be impeached because he
committed perjury is an obvious national case of biology at war with
society. Those seeking moral guidance from the MOQ need not look far
for contemporary examples.
Platt
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