Evolution and the Foundations of Ethics

Evolutionary Perspectives on Contemporary Normative and Metaethical Theories

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Evolution and the Foundations of Ethics by John Mizzoni, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Mizzoni ISBN: 9780739199848
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: February 3, 2017
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: John Mizzoni
ISBN: 9780739199848
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: February 3, 2017
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

If human biological evolution is part of our worldview, then how do commonplace notions of ethics fit in? To ask the question, “what does evolution imply about ethics?” we must first be clear about what we mean by evolution. Evolution and the Foundations of Ethics discusses four models of evolution, represented by Darwin, Dawkins, Gould, and Haught. We must also be clear about what we mean by ethics. Do we mean metaethics? If so, which variety? With metaethical theories (such as Error Theory, Expressivism, Moral Relativism, and Moral Realism), theorists are attempting to explain the general nature, status, and origins of ethics.

In the first four chapters of this book (Part I), John Mizzoni examines how metaethical theories fit with evolution. Next, in asking about the implications of evolution for ethics,do we mean normative ethics? Theorists who work with normative ethical theories—such as Virtue Ethics, Natural Law Ethics, Social Contract Ethics, Utilitarian Ethics, Deontological Ethics, and Ethics of Care)—articulate and defend a normative ethics that people can and do use in a practical way when deliberating about specific actions, rules, and policies. The next six chapters (Part II) look at how normative ethical theories fit with evolution. A full reckoning of ethics and evolution demands that we consider the range of ethical elements, both metaethical and normative. Thus, this book looks at what several different models of evolution imply about four metaethical theories and six normative ethical theories.

This book will be of interest to scholars interested in the intersection of evolutionary theory and ethical theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

If human biological evolution is part of our worldview, then how do commonplace notions of ethics fit in? To ask the question, “what does evolution imply about ethics?” we must first be clear about what we mean by evolution. Evolution and the Foundations of Ethics discusses four models of evolution, represented by Darwin, Dawkins, Gould, and Haught. We must also be clear about what we mean by ethics. Do we mean metaethics? If so, which variety? With metaethical theories (such as Error Theory, Expressivism, Moral Relativism, and Moral Realism), theorists are attempting to explain the general nature, status, and origins of ethics.

In the first four chapters of this book (Part I), John Mizzoni examines how metaethical theories fit with evolution. Next, in asking about the implications of evolution for ethics,do we mean normative ethics? Theorists who work with normative ethical theories—such as Virtue Ethics, Natural Law Ethics, Social Contract Ethics, Utilitarian Ethics, Deontological Ethics, and Ethics of Care)—articulate and defend a normative ethics that people can and do use in a practical way when deliberating about specific actions, rules, and policies. The next six chapters (Part II) look at how normative ethical theories fit with evolution. A full reckoning of ethics and evolution demands that we consider the range of ethical elements, both metaethical and normative. Thus, this book looks at what several different models of evolution imply about four metaethical theories and six normative ethical theories.

This book will be of interest to scholars interested in the intersection of evolutionary theory and ethical theory.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Women, Men, and Human Capital Development in the Public Sector by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Rousseau and the Paradox of Alienation by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Climate Change by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Toward Better Governance in China by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book The Poetic Character of Human Activity by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Better Worlds by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book How International Relations Affect Civil Conflict by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Haunted Families and Temporal Normativity in Hispanic Horror Films by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Distributive Politics in Developing Countries by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Odious Caribbean Women and the Palpable Aesthetics of Transgression by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Latinas Crossing Borders and Building Communities in Greater Washington by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Creaturely Cosmologies by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Turkey's Accession to the European Union by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Tolstoy and the Religious Culture of His Time by John Mizzoni
Cover of the book Emerging Aesthetic Imaginaries by John Mizzoni
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy