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edearl
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I am looking for references that explain how ethics evolved from human needs (e.g., community) and instincts (e.g., fight/flight).
No it isn't. Social Darwinism is a perversion of the principles of natural selection to society so as to further ideology.wuliheron said:What you are asking for is known as "Social Darwinism"
wuliheron said:What you are asking for is known as "Social Darwinism" and is a highly speculative and controversial field. If I were you I'd start with something fundamental like the research done by the Yerkes Institute on primates and Jane Goodall's second ten years researching chimpanzees. Recent research has indicated that many species of animals have an innate sense of fairness and experience emotions such as guilt. Obviously such things evolved in humans in large part due to our being extremely social animals.
Do not confuse Social Darwinism with Evolution of Social Behaviour! The former will not help you in understanding what current research says about the evolution of morals, it is simply a political philosophy and is nothing to do with biological evolution.edearl said:Yes, it must be speculative, as the earliest code of ethics was probably during prehistory.
Thanks, I am familiar with Jane Goodall''s work. I think there are many examples in the animal world, including all the apes but especially chimps.
Thanks for the Yerkes and Social Darwinism tips--I'll investigate.
Thanks, I read Wikipedia on Social Darwinism; it was interesting but not exactly what I had in mind. I'll check Evolution of Social Behavior--thanks.Ryan_m_b said:Do not confuse Social Darwinism with Evolution of Social Behaviour! The former will not help you in understanding what current research says about the evolution of morals, it is simply a political philosophy and is nothing to do with biological evolution.
Ethics refers to a set of principles or moral values that guide individual or societal behavior and decision-making. They dictate what is considered right or wrong, good or bad, and just or unjust.
Human needs and instincts, such as the need for survival, social belonging, and self-preservation, are the driving force behind the development and evolution of ethics. These basic needs and instincts influence our moral compass and shape our understanding of what is right and wrong.
Yes, ethics can and do change over time. As society evolves, so do our values and beliefs, which in turn influence our ethical principles. The evolution of technology, cultural norms, and scientific advancements can also impact the development of ethics.
Yes, there are various types of ethics, such as deontological, utilitarian, virtue, and consequentialist ethics. These different ethical frameworks have different principles and approaches to determining what is morally right or wrong.
To ensure that our ethics align with human needs and instincts, we must constantly reflect on and evaluate our moral principles and values. This involves considering the consequences of our actions, empathizing with others, and being open to new perspectives and ideas.