Mysteries of Morality

Autor/inn/en	DeScioli, Peter; Kurzban, Robert
Titel	Mysteries of Morality
Quelle	In: Cognition, 112 (2009) 2, S.281-299 (19 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0010-0277
DOI	10.1016/j.cognition.2009.05.008
Schlagwörter	Altruism; Punishment; Moral Development; Evolution; Theories; Decision Making; Moral Values; Cognitive Processes; Self Control; Victims of Crime; Acting; Schemata (Cognition) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Altruistic behavior; Altruismus; Bestrafung; Moralische Entwicklung; Theory; Theorie; Decision-making; Entscheidungsfindung; Moral value; Ethischer Wert; Cognitive process; Kognitiver Prozess; Selbstbeherrschung; Victim; Victims; Crime; Opfer; Verbrechen; Aktionstheater; Cognition; Schema; Kognition
Abstract	Evolutionary theories of morality, beginning with Darwin, have focused on explanations for altruism. More generally, these accounts have concentrated on conscience (self-regulatory mechanisms) to the neglect of condemnation (mechanisms for punishing others). As a result, few theoretical tools are available for understanding the rapidly accumulating data surrounding third-party judgment and punishment. Here we consider the strategic interactions among actors, victims, and third-parties to help illuminate condemnation. We argue that basic differences between the adaptive problems faced by actors and third-parties indicate that actor conscience and third-party condemnation are likely performed by different cognitive mechanisms. Further, we argue that current theories of conscience do not easily explain its experimentally demonstrated insensitivity to consequences. However, these results might be explicable if conscience functions, in part, as a defense system for avoiding third-party punishment. If conscience serves defensive functions, then its computational structure should be closely tailored to the details of condemnation mechanisms. This possibility underscores the need for a better understanding of condemnation, which is important not only in itself but also for explaining the nature of conscience. We outline three evolutionary mysteries of condemnation that require further attention: third-party judgment, moralistic punishment, and moral impartiality. (Contains 2 figures.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10