Morality in the light of the evolutionary sciences

The current paper puts forward the relationship between morality and evolutionary sciences and limits of evolutionary explanation. In order to study these connections, the following steps are taken: firstly, structure of evolutionary theory is presented. General evolutionary mechanisms (natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection) are summarized in detail. Secondly, middle-level evolutionary theories (reciprocal altruism, parental investment, parent-offspring conflict) are presented in context of morality and ethics. Thirdly, relationships between two visions of morality – “Veneer Theory” and “View of Morality as an Outgrowth of the Social Instincts” – are discussed in the light of the scientific arguments. Finally, the need to consider cognitive science and evolutionary psychology in naturalizing morality is demonstrated.

Keywords: altruism, cognitive science, evolutionary theory, evolutionary psychology, moral philosophy, morality