The Structural Evolution of Morality (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521870320)

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.

Author: J. McKenzie Alexander
ISBN-10: 0521870321
ISBN-13: 9780521870320
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 01/14/2008
Pages: 312
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.36lbs
Size: 9.03h x 6.34w x 0.97d