The Biology and Psychology of Moral Agency
Part of Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology
- Author: William Andrew Rottschaefer, Lewis and Clark College, Portland
- Date Published: June 2008
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521064507
Paperback
Other available formats:
Hardback, eBook
Looking for an inspection copy?
This title is not currently available on inspection
-
This important book brings findings and theories in biology and psychology to bear on the fundamental question in ethics of what it means to behave morally. It explains how we acquire and put to work our capacities to act morally and how these capacities are reliable means to achieving true moral beliefs, proper moral motivations, and successful moral actions. By presenting a complete model of moral agency based on contemporary evolutionary theory, developmental biology and psychology, and social cognitive theory, the book offers a unique perspective. It will be read with profit by a broad swathe of philosophers, as well as psychologists and biologists.
Read more- Brings together philosophy and research in biology and cognitive psychology in a unique way
- Interdisciplinary interest: philosophy, biology, psychology
Reviews & endorsements
Review of the hardback: 'It is well written, groundbreaking in its integration of three fields of enquiry (biology, psychology, and philosophy) and superbly organized. This book will be an important contribution to the important and exciting research into the nature and grounding of morality.' Paul Thompson, University of Toronto
See more reviewsReview of the hardback: 'To call this an ambitious book is wildly to understate its aspirations … This is a rich and wide-ranging book.' Human Nature Review
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: June 2008
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521064507
- length: 308 pages
- dimensions: 230 x 152 x 17 mm
- weight: 0.462kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Part I. Moral Agency and Scientific Naturalism:
1. Understanding moral agency: what is a scientific naturalist view of moral agency?
Part II. The Biological Bases of Moral Agency:
2. Evolution and moral agency: can evolution endow us with moral capacities?
3. Evolution and moral agency: Does Evolution endow us with moral capacities?
4. Developmental biology and psychology and moral agency: how do our biologically-based moral capacities develop?
Part III. The Psychological Bases of moral Agency:
5. Behavioral psychology and moral agency: how do we learn to behave morally?
6. Social cognitive psychology and moral agency: how do we learn to act morally?
7. The neurophysiological bases of moral capacities: do the neurosciences have room for moral agents?
Part IV. A Scientific Naturalist Account of Moral Agency:
8. The adequacy of moral beliefs, motivations and actions: how can biological and psychological explanations serve as justifications?
9. Moral ontology: what is the ontological status of moral values?
Part V. Integrating a Personalistic and Naturalistic View of Agency:
10. The manifest and scientific images of morality: how can we integrate our ordinary and scientifically based views of moral agency?
Related Books
related journals
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email [email protected]
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×