Marc Hauser's Moral Minds argues that an evolved moral faculty generates moral judgments.
Moral judgments are defined as judgments of right and wrong, permitted and
forbidden. This faculty applies innate principles that are biologically
determined. However, these principles allow for variation. Just as some
principles of language are immutable and some are varying, so moral judgments
can vary across cultures. Culture, in Hauser's terminology, sets the
parameters. Nature gives us the principles.
Departing from other researchers in the field, Hauser argues that cognitive appraisals that may precede or be driven by emotion are distinct from the appraisals made by the moral faculty. However, for Hauser, emotions may directly result from or accompany these appraisals and remain, in his account, an important area of inquiry.
Methodology: Supporting evidence comes from social-psychology-based laboratory experiments and surveys, behavioral economics, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. Hauser argues that while little evidence contradicts his thesis, more research is needed to ensure that it is the most parsimonious explanation.
Departing from other researchers in the field, Hauser argues that cognitive appraisals that may precede or be driven by emotion are distinct from the appraisals made by the moral faculty. However, for Hauser, emotions may directly result from or accompany these appraisals and remain, in his account, an important area of inquiry.
Methodology: Supporting evidence comes from social-psychology-based laboratory experiments and surveys, behavioral economics, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. Hauser argues that while little evidence contradicts his thesis, more research is needed to ensure that it is the most parsimonious explanation.
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