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Moral origins : the evolution of virtue, altruism and shame
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Moral origins : the evolution of virtue, altruism and shame

by Christopher Boehm

Tracing the development of human altruism over six million years, this study explores how our moral sense evolved as a sophisticated defence mechanism. It examines how social selection pressures favoured cooperation, leading to the modern conscience.

Accession 5944 ISBN 9780465020485 Publisher Basic Books
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Curated Derived
Family and Society Life Sciences Philosophy Science Social Sciences
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2026-06-04 15:17
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LOCATION HISTORY
M:S3:25 2 Current vertical
5 days, 20 hours ago
M:S3:27 2 vertical
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M:S3:28 2 vertical
3 weeks, 4 days ago
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Moral origins : the evolution of virtue, altruism and shame
vernon_id
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5944
vernon_slug
moral-origins-the-evolution-of-virtue-altruism-and-shame-christopher-boehm

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isbn_issn→ isbn (when valid)
9780465020485

Descriptive

production_date
2012
object_type
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brief_description
From the age of Darwin to the present day, biologists have been grappling with the origins of our moral sense. Why, if the human instinct to survive and reproduce is selfish,rdquo do people engage in self-sacrifice, and even develop ideas like virtue and shame to justify that altruism? Many theories have been put forth, some emphasizing the role of nepotism, others emphasizing the advantages of reciprocation or group selection effects. But evolutionary anthropologist Christopher Boehm finds existing explanations lacking, and in Moral Origins, he offers an elegant new theory. Tracing the development of altruism and group social control over 6 million years, Boehm argues that our moral sense is a sophisticated defence mechanism that enables individuals to survive and thrive in groups. One of the biggest risks of group living is the possibility of being punished for our misdeeds by those around us. Bullies, thieves, free-riders, and especially psychopaths- those who make it difficult for others to go about their lives- are the most likely to suffer this fate. Getting by requires getting along, and this social type of selection, Boehm shows, singles out altruists for survival.This selection pressure has been unique in shaping human nature, and it bred the first stirrings of conscience in the human species. Ultimately, it led to the fully developed sense of virtue and shame that we know today. A ground-breaking exploration of the evolution of human generosity and cooperation, Moral Origins offers profound insight into humanity s moral past- and how it might shape our moral future.

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
Christopher Boehm
tags→ tags
Science, Psychology, Life sciences, Ethics, Philosophy, Emotions, Evolution (Biology), Biology, Conduct of life, Virtue, Altruism, Shame
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Topics and Themes