Artikel

Evolutionaire ethiek: psychologie en conventies

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Samenvatting

Evolutionary Ethics, Psychology and Conventions - The purpose of this paper is to present an example of what moral theory would look like if it took evolutionary theory seriously. In it, I strive to avoid the errors to which so many previous attempts have succumbed. If I succeed in doing so, it is because of my intent merely to show how Darwinian thinking improves the empirical basis upon which we construct moral theories. At no point do I try to derive foundational moral values either from nature in the broadest sense or from the process of evolution itself. First, I suggest that an evolutionary perspective can-shed new light on moral psychology. Biological evolution has given us brains capable of certain cognitive tasks, and capable of manifesting certain emotions. Many of these cognitive and emotional capacities will be morally significant. Secondly, I suggest that an evolutionary perspective clears the way for a moral perspective that focuses on the function and development of Human conventions.

Hoe citeren:

Chris, M., (1999) “Evolutionaire ethiek: psychologie en conventies”, Ethiek en Maatschappij 2(4), 53–61. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/em.94224