Konrad Lorenz – On Aggression (2002/1963)

Konrad Lorenz – On Aggression, translated by Marjorie Kerr Wilson

Konrad Lorenz was the author of some of the most popular books ever published about animals, including the best-selling Man Meets Dog and King Solomon’s Ring. On Aggression is one of his finest works, as well as the most controversial. Through an insightful and characteristically entertaining survey of animal behaviour, the Nobel Prize winner tracks the evolution of aggression throughout the animal world. He also raises some startling questions when he applies his observations of animal psychology to humankind. His conclusions caused an unprecedented controversy, culminating in a statement adopted by UNESCO in 1989 which appeared to condemn his work.

Whether or not Lorenz actually claimed aggression is hard-wired into the human psyche, and that war is an inevitable result, is something readers can decide upon for themselves. However you react, there can be no doubting that in today’s violent world this powerful work remains of paramount importance.

Contents:
Foreword by Sir Julian Huxley, F.R.S.
Introduction
1 Prologue in the Sea
2 Coral Fish in the Laboratory
3 What Aggression is Good For
4 The Spontaneity of Aggression
5 Habit, Ritual and Magic
6 The Great Parliament of Instincts
7 Behavioural Analogies to Morality
8 Anonymity of the Flock
9 Social Organization without Love
10 Rats
11 The Bond
12 On the Virtue of Scientific Humility
13 Ecce Homo!
14 Avowal of Optimism
Recommended Books
Bibliography
Index

Format: EPUB
Length: 321 pages
Published: 2002 by Routledge (first published 1963)
ISBN: 0203994264