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Morality: An Evolutionary Account.

Dennis L Krebs1

  • 1Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada krebs@sfu.ca.

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Refined Darwinian theory explains the origin of morality through evolved social instincts and strategic interactions. Understanding the interplay between ancient and modern brain mechanisms is key to comprehending moral decision-making.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Moral Philosophy

Background:

  • Morality's origins are debated, with evolutionary perspectives offering insights into its adaptive functions.
  • Contemporary research integrates cognitive and neurological factors in moral decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To refine Darwin's theory on the origin of a moral sense.
  • To create a framework for organizing contemporary theory and research on morality.
  • To elucidate the evolutionary and neurological underpinnings of moral behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical refinement of evolutionary principles.
  • Integration of contemporary psychological and neuroscientific research.
  • Analysis of decision-making strategies and social interactions.

Main Results:

  • Morality originated from "social instincts" (deferential, cooperative, altruistic strategies) aiding early human social living and conflict resolution.
  • Moral judgments, norms, and conscience arose from strategic group interactions addressing shared and conflicting interests.
  • Moral reasoning facilitates the development of universal and impartial moral standards.

Conclusions:

  • Moral beliefs and standards result from automatic and controlled cognitive processes.
  • Understanding morality requires examining the interaction between old and new brain mechanisms.
  • The adaptive function of morality is crucial for understanding its nature.