The moral wager : evolution and contract / Malcolm Murray.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Murray, R. Malcolm (Robert Malcolm), 1959-

Series:

Philosophical studies series ; v. 108.

Philosophical studies series ; v. 108

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Contractarianism (Ethics).

Ethics, Evolutionary.

Ethics.

Physical Description:

ix, 241 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Dordrecht : Springer, [2007]

Summary:

This book illuminates and sharpens moral theory, by analyzing the evolutionary dynamics of interpersonal relations in a variety of games. We discover that successful players in evolutionary games operate as if following this piece of normative advice: Don't do unto others without their consent. From this advice, some significant implications for moral theory follow. First, we cannot view morality as a categorical imperative. Secondly, we cannot hope to offer rational justification for adopting moral advice. This is where Glaucon and Adeimantus went astray: they wanted a proof of the benefits of morality in every single case. That is not possible. Moral constraint is a bad bet taken in and of itself. But there is some good news: moral constraint is a good bet when examined statistically.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-227) and index.

ISBN:

1402058543

9781402058547

OCLC:

123893456