Helena Cronin

Helena Cronin, born in 1942, is a British philosopher known for her work in Darwinian thought and rationalism. She holds positions as co-director at the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science and the Darwin Centre at the London School of Economics. Her academic journey began at Henrietta Barnett School. Cronin co-edits the "Darwinism Today" series focusing on evolutionary theory and frequently contributes popular articles to publications like "The Guardian." She is also a Patron of Humanists UK. Her seminars at the London School of Economics explored the implications of Darwinian theory for humans, attracting prominent thinkers such as Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker. Cronin received acknowledgment in the preface of Richard Dawkins' "The Selfish Gene." Her work has explored themes of altruism, sexual selection, Darwinism, and differences between the sexes, sparking discussions and debates in various academic and public forums. Her notable work, "The Ant and the Peacock: Altruism and Sexual Selection from Darwin to Today" (1991), critically examined the historical debates surrounding sexual selection and altruism.