Evolution and ethics : human morality in biological and religious perspective / edited by Philip Clayton and Jeffrey Schloss.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Clayton, Philip, 1956-

Schloss, Jeffrey.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ethics, Evolutionary.

Evolution (Biology)--Moral and ethical aspects.

Evolution (Biology).

Biology--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Biology.

Physical Description:

x, 339 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Grand Rapids, Mich. : W.B. Eerdmans Pub., [2004]

Summary:

Christians frequently resist evolutionary theory, believing it to be incompatible with the core values of their tradition. But what exactly are the tensions between evolution and religious faith in the area of human morality? Evolution and Ethics examines the burning questions of human morality from the standpoint of Christian thought and contemporary biology, asking where the two perspectives diverge and where they may complement one another. Representing a significant dialogue between world-class scientists, philosophers, and theologians, this volume explores the central features of biological and religious accounts of human morality, introducing the leading theories and locating the key points of contention. Central to these discussions are the questions of whether human actions are ever genuinely selfless, whether there is something in the moral life that transcends biological function, and whether one can sensibly speak of an overall purpose to the course of evolution. Certain to engage scholars, students, and general readers alike, Evolution and Ethics offers a balanced, levelheaded, constructive approach to an often divisive debate.

Contents:

Introduction: Evolutionary Ethics and Christian Morality: Surveying the Issues / Jeffrey P. Schloss 1

I. The Evolution of Ethics: Scientific Perspectives

1. Evolutionary Ethics Past and Present / Michael Ruse 27

2. Darwinian Evolutionary Ethics: Between Patriotism and Sympathy / Peter J. Richerson, Robert Boyd 50

3. Explaining the Prosocial Side of Moral Communities / Christopher Boehm 78

4. Hominid Failings: An Evolutionary Basis for Sin in Individuals and Corporations / Michael J. Chapman 101

5. The Leverage of Language on Altruism and Morality / Joseph Poulshock 114

6. "You Have Heard ... but I Tell You ...": A Test of the Adaptive Significance of Moral Evolution / David C. Lahti 132

II. Religious and Evolutionary Ethics

Are They Compatible?

7. Evolution and Divine Revelation: Synergy, Not Conflict, in Understanding Morality / Loren Haarsma 153

8. Darwinian and Teleological Explanations: Are They Incompatible? / Rene van Woudenberg 171

9. Is There an Evolutionary Foundation for Human Morality? / John Hare 187

10. The Darwinian Moral Sense and Biblical Religion / Larry Arnhart 204

11. Thomistic Natural Law and the Limits of Evolutionary Psychology / Craig A. Boyd 221

12. The Good Samaritan and His Genes / Holmes Rolston III 238

III. The Ethics of Evolution: Theological Evaluation and Critique

13. A Cross-Section of Sin: The Mimetic Character of Human Nature in Biological and Theological Perspective / S. Mark Heim 255

14. Falling Up: Evolution and Original Sin / Gregory R. Peterson 273

15. Morals, Love, and Relations in Evolutionary Theory / Thomas Jay Oord 287

16. Darwin's Problems, Neo-Darwinian Solutions, and Jesus' Love Commands / Philip A. Rolnick 302

Conclusion: Biology and Purpose: Altruism, Morality, and Human Nature in Evolutionary Perspective / Philip Clayton 318.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

0802826954

OCLC:

55109108