August 31, 1987

American Psychological Association
Annual Convention. New York City

To the Editor
Science

There is a widespread myth that war is inevitable
becausc it is biologically intrinsic to human nature.
Because this myth may discourage people from playing a role
in the great task of our times to invent world peace,
we have a Special responsibility as scientists to make it
known that there is no scientific basis for this myth.

The Seville Statement on violence specifically rejects
the alleged biological findings that have been used to
support the myth that war is intrinsic to human nature.
As representatives of scientific organizations whose members
have drafted the Statement or whose governing bodies have
endorsed it, we wish to call it to the attention of your
readers.

The Statement was originally formulated in May, 1986,
in Seville under the sponsorship of the Spanish National
Commission of UNESCO. It was drafted and signed by 20
leading biological and social scientists from 12 nations
and 5 continents and is now being published and endorsed
by organization such as ours around the world.


Bonnie Strickland
President
American Psychological Association

June Helm
President
American Anthropological Association

Paul Kimmel
Council Representative
Society for Psychological Study
of Social Issues

Rowell Huesmann
Executive Secretary
international Society for Research
on Aggression

Ethel Tobach
Special Representative
Psychologists for Social
Responsibility

Jo Groebel
Director-at-Large
International Council of
Psychologists