Ego function of morality and developing tensions that are "within".

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Moral Philosophy
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Baumard et al. proposed a mutualistic account for the emergence of morality.
• This theory suggests cooperation and mutual benefit are foundational to moral systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the mutualistic theory of morality's explanation for its emergence.
• To propose an alternative perspective on the origins of moral cognition.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing theories on the evolution of morality.
• Comparative analysis of mutualism, convention, and fairness in moral development.

Main Results:

• Identified circularity in the mutualistic account of morality's emergence.
• Proposed that mutualism better explains sensitivity to social conventions than innate fairness.
• Highlighted the limitations of purely evolutionary explanations for complex moral behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Mutualism may foster adherence to group norms (conventions) rather than a deep sense of fairness.
• An ontogenetic perspective, examining development over an individual's lifespan, is crucial for understanding morality.
• A nuanced understanding of moral origins requires integrating evolutionary and developmental viewpoints.