The Emotional Construction of Morals

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Health & Well Being, Psychology
Cover of the book The Emotional Construction of Morals by Jesse Prinz, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jesse Prinz ISBN: 9780191608629
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: November 22, 2007
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Jesse Prinz
ISBN: 9780191608629
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: November 22, 2007
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Jesse Prinz argues that recent work in philosophy, neuroscience, and anthropology supports two radical hypotheses about the nature of morality: moral values are based on emotional responses, and these emotional responses are inculcated by culture, not hard-wired through natural selection. In the first half of the book, Jesse Prinz defends the hypothesis that morality has an emotional foundation. Evidence from brain imaging, social psychology, and psychopathology suggest that, when we judge something to be right or wrong, we are merely expressing our emotions. Prinz argues that these emotions do not track objective features of reality; rather, the rightness and wrongness of an act consists in the fact that people are disposed to have certain emotions towards it. In the second half of the book, he turns to a defence of moral relativism. Moral facts depend on emotional responses, and emotional responses vary from culture to culture. Prinz surveys the anthropological record to establish moral variation, and he draws on cultural history to show how attitudes toward practices such as cannibalism and marriage change over time. He also criticizes evidence from animal behaviour and child development that has been taken to support the claim that moral attitudes are hard-wired by natural selection. Prinz concludes that there is no single true morality, but he also argues that some moral values are better than others; moral progress is possible. Throughout the book, Prinz relates his views to contemporary and historical work in philosophical ethics. His views echo themes in the writings of David Hume and Friedrich Nietzsche, but Prinz supports, extends, and revises these classic theories using the resources of cutting-edge cognitive science. The Emotional Construction of Morals will stimulate and challenge anyone who is curious about the nature and origin of moral values.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Jesse Prinz argues that recent work in philosophy, neuroscience, and anthropology supports two radical hypotheses about the nature of morality: moral values are based on emotional responses, and these emotional responses are inculcated by culture, not hard-wired through natural selection. In the first half of the book, Jesse Prinz defends the hypothesis that morality has an emotional foundation. Evidence from brain imaging, social psychology, and psychopathology suggest that, when we judge something to be right or wrong, we are merely expressing our emotions. Prinz argues that these emotions do not track objective features of reality; rather, the rightness and wrongness of an act consists in the fact that people are disposed to have certain emotions towards it. In the second half of the book, he turns to a defence of moral relativism. Moral facts depend on emotional responses, and emotional responses vary from culture to culture. Prinz surveys the anthropological record to establish moral variation, and he draws on cultural history to show how attitudes toward practices such as cannibalism and marriage change over time. He also criticizes evidence from animal behaviour and child development that has been taken to support the claim that moral attitudes are hard-wired by natural selection. Prinz concludes that there is no single true morality, but he also argues that some moral values are better than others; moral progress is possible. Throughout the book, Prinz relates his views to contemporary and historical work in philosophical ethics. His views echo themes in the writings of David Hume and Friedrich Nietzsche, but Prinz supports, extends, and revises these classic theories using the resources of cutting-edge cognitive science. The Emotional Construction of Morals will stimulate and challenge anyone who is curious about the nature and origin of moral values.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book A Dictionary of English Folklore by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Insurance Law for the Construction Industry by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Natural Law by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Secularism by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book The Three Musketeers by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Comedy: A Very Short Introduction by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Practical Management of Complex Cancer Pain by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Toxin by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Poverty, Wealth, and Well-Being by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Making Morality Work by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Beyond the Northlands by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Oxford Bible Atlas by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Structuring Mind by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Antiquities Beyond Humanism by Jesse Prinz
Cover of the book Concepts of Addictive Substances and Behaviours across Time and Place by Jesse Prinz
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy