The evolution of morality

Rutherford, M. (2007) The evolution of morality. Groundings, 1,

Abstract

Morality is essential to human identity. Since Darwin and Wallace proposed natural selection to explain the complexities of organisms, evolutionary biologists have sought explanations for all aspects of human nature including morality. One way to establish how far morality is to humans is to examine moral precursors in closely-related species. The advantage of such a characteristic initially seems contrary to the 'selfish' process of natural selection, however various ways in which such a trait has adaptive value have been proposed. Also the extent to which morality is actually part of human identity, a product of sophisticated human culture rather than being hard-wired into our minds by evolutionary process, is a fascinating and current area of scientific dialogue.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: UNSPECIFIED
• Authors: Rutherford, M.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Groundings
• Publisher: Glasgow University Dialectic Society
• ISSN: 1755-2702
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2007 Glasgow University Dialectic Society
• First Published: First published in Groundings 1
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher