The Structural Evolution of Morality

J. McKenzie Alexander (London School of Economics and Political Science)

The Structural Evolution of Morality
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Country
United Kingdom
Published
26 August 2010
Pages
312
ISBN
9780521152693

The Structural Evolution of Morality

J. McKenzie Alexander (London School of Economics and Political Science)

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.

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