An Introduction to Evolutionary Ethics

In recent years evolutionary ethics has burgeoned in fascinating but sometimes confusing ways. James' judicious treatment of the field is well written, well organized, and well balanced. There is no better introductory text covering this ground.-Richard Joyce, University of Sydney This is a terrific introduction to a topic of growing interest. Balanced and comprehensive, it should be the definitive text for many years.-Michael Ruse, The Florida State University The subject of reconciling our evolutionary past with our sense of right and wrong is undergoing a resurgent wave of interest. The timely Introduction to Evolutionary Ethics offers the first general introductory text to this area, presenting students with three different areas of ongoing research related to evolution and morality: cognitive psychology, normative ethics, and metaethics. The text is divided into two sections. Part I explores the cognitive psychological question of how-if at all- our moral sense evolved. Part II reviews both historical and recent efforts to derive moral norms and draws conclusions about the objectivity of morality from biological facts about our evolutionary past. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book presents an exciting study of the most up-to-date research and current issues being debated across both psychology and philosophy.