The Structural Evolution of Morality

Shows how morality can both emerge and persist in a wide variety of social environments.

J. McKenzie Alexander (Author)

9780521152693, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 August 2010

312 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.46 kg

Review of the hardback: '… this work is certain to be invaluable to anyone following the road laid by Brian Skyrms. Additionally, I recommend this book to many of those unconvinced about the possibility of making the leap from an explanation of thin morality to a thick account. … this work makes an important contribution to political philosophy and to the social sciences more broadly.' Church History

It is certainly the case that morality governs the interactions that take place between individuals. But what if morality exists because of these interactions? This book, first published in 2007, argues for the claim that much of the behaviour we view as 'moral' exists because acting in that way benefits each of us to the greatest extent possible, given the socially structured nature of society. Drawing upon aspects of evolutionary game theory, the theory of bounded rationality, and computational models of social networks, it shows both how moral behaviour can emerge in socially structured environments, and how it can persist even when it is not typically viewed as 'rational' from a traditional economic perspective. This book also provides a theory of how moral principles and the moral sentiments play an indispensable role in effective choice, acting as 'fast and frugal heuristics' in social decision contexts.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Types of evolutionary models
3. Cooperation
4. Trust
5. Fairness
6. Retribution
7. Multiplayer games
8. Philosophical reflections
Select bibliography
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Game theory [PBUD], Social theory [JHBA], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Philosophy [HP]