Richard Dawkins- need to know terminology.
The Gene- a basic unit of natural selection. We are a mass of these genes and unconsciously they decide which are strong and which are weak. They affect our behaviour through our consciousness and our brains.
Selfishness- the principle of acting in one’s own interest. Dawkins uses this term when writing about the selfish gene as he is suggesting just like most creatures who will to survive, each gene is trying to prolong its own survival and existence. It can do this through different ways.
The Extended Phenotype- an idea to mean the effects that a gene has on the outside world that may influence its chances of being replicate. Great example- For instance a Beaver dam might be considered a phenotype of beaver genes, the same way beaver’s incisors might be considered to be a phenotype of beaver genes. This would mean that both the dam and the teeth are phenotypes expressions of their genes.
Mutations- these are simply changes. In a sense Dawkins is suggesting that genes can mutate and there evolve within a body. This can then affect behaviour in a person. These changes can occur in a life and genes can replicate themselves.
Replicators- genes that are trying on an unconscious level to make more of themselves to enable their survival. This can be done by procreation but also within a person.
Consciousness- Our sense of self and the idea that we are one not simply millions of genes fighting for survival. Dawkins believes that this consciousness is something that is projected by our brains to enable ourselves to work as one and save as many genes as apossible. By making decisions as one entity we can
Altruism-The principle or practice of concern of welfare for others. The opposite to selfishness. It is the the concept of unselfish behaviour. This can also be considered to be behaviour for the good of the group or behaviour that is self sacrificing for others. In this context, Dawkins talks of how we may sacrifice ourselves for our own gene survival in others (kinship).
Memes- the social influence and impact that you have on your society that can las on after your genes don’t exist. Memes can be any contribution that you make to the world or society so in this sense you can live on in terms of your influence after you die.