ABSTRACT
Since life is evolved, reproduction is the ultimate interest, one of overriding importance. Organisms are evolved to reproduce at the cost of all other interests, even personal survival. Reproduction is achieved by passing on genes down the generations, both in one’s children, collateral kin, and fellow ethnics. Reproductive interests are therefore genetic interests. An individual’s genetic interest is the sum of all his or her distinctive genes in the species. A distinction can be made between the ultimate interest of reproduction and proximate interests such as life, liberty and resources. The latter are subsidiary goals we are evolved to value because they serve, or once served, our genetic interests. Despite their overriding importance, genetic interests have not been explicitly incorporated into political theory.
