Politics and Biology: The Dark Tetrad and Darkness at Noon

Abstract

This paper describes methodological and theoretical problematics in creating knowledge about the relations between politics and biology. These problematics are cited from philosophy and philosophy of science, critical theory, and scientific method(s). The case of politics characterized by the dark tetrad – narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism – and biology characterized by evolutionary theories are used as an example. The conclusion is that the relations between politics and biology are unknowable and attempts to apply putative knowledge of such relations have led to tragedy and atrocity throughout history.