Evolutionary Theories of Morality and the Manipulative Use of Signals

Abstract. Several attempts have recently been made to explain moral systems and moral sentiments in light of evolutionary biological theory. It may be helpful to modify and extend this project with the help of a theory of communication developed by ethologists. The core of this approach is the idea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zygon
Main Author: Cronk1, Lee (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell 1994
In: Zygon
Further subjects:B signals
B Morality
B social manipulation
B Cultural Transmission
B Evolutionary Biology
B Communication
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Summary:Abstract. Several attempts have recently been made to explain moral systems and moral sentiments in light of evolutionary biological theory. It may be helpful to modify and extend this project with the help of a theory of communication developed by ethologists. The core of this approach is the idea that signals are best seen as attempts to manipulate others rather than as attempts to inform them. This addition helps to clarify some problematic areas in the evolutionary study of morals, and it generates new, testable predictions about moral statements.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1994.tb00651.x