
Evolution, Morality and the Fabric of Society
R. Paul Thompson(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 19. May 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
88 pages
978-1-108-74170-5 (ISBN)
Description
Recent interest in the evolution of the social contract is extended by providing a throughly naturalistic, evolutionary account of the biological underpinnings of a social contract theory of morality. This social contract theory of morality (contractevolism) provides an evolutionary justification of the primacy of a moral principle of maximisation of the opportunities for evolutionary reproductive success (ERS), where maximising opportunities does not entail an obligation on individuals to choose to maximise their ERS. From that primary principle, the moral principles of inclusion, individual sovereignty (liberty) and equality can be derived. The implications of these principles, within contractevolism, are explored through an examination of patriarchy, individual sovereignty and copulatory choices, and overpopulation and extinction. Contractevolism is grounded in evolutionary dynamics that resulted in humans and human societies. The most important behavioural consequences of evolution to contractevolism are reciprocity, cooperation, empathy, and the most important cognitive consequences are reason and behavioural modification.
Reviews / Votes
'... a good starting point for those who want to reflect on the relevance of evolutionary theory to morality. The book is itself a competent introduction to the relevant issues and includes in addition lots of references to other relevant works, which will be helpful for those who want to pursue the topic further.' Folke Tersman, MetascienceMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight
142 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-74170-5 (9781108741705)
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Schweitzer Classification
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R. Paul Thompson
Evolution, Morality and the Fabric of Society
Book
05/2022
Cambridge University Press
€75.30
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R. Paul Thompson
Evolution, Morality and the Fabric of Society
E-Book
05/2022
Cambridge University Press
€15.49
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Content
1. Prologetic Remarks; 2. Social Contract Theory; 3. Evolution of Social Behaviour and Sociality; 4. Contractevolism: An Evolution-based Moral Theory; 5. Hume's Barrier and Moore's Fallacy; 6. Contractevolism and Patriarchy; 7. Individual Sovereignty and Copulatory Choices; 8. Contractevolism and Overpopulation; References.