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Evolutionary Ethics and Mate Selection

Muus, Harriet (2024) Evolutionary Ethics and Mate Selection. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Moral philosophers argue that mechanisms such as reciprocal altruism and indirect reciprocity can result in the evolution of shared interests and a ‘moral sense’ in humans. This article discusses the need to broaden that view when considering the consequences of genetic conflict, in particular, the conflict associated with mate selection. An alternative application of evolutionary arguments to morality has been suggested by biologists such as Richard Alexander, who argue that ethical, moral and legal questions arise purely out of conflicts of interest, and that moral systems (consisting of societal rules or laws) exist to ameliorate those conflicts. Following Alexander, a novel societal rule is proposed that could lessen the negative consequences to men of reproductive conflicts with women.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Muus, Harrietharriet.muus@tutanota.com0000-0003-3376-0885
Keywords: evolutionary psychology consequentialism evolutionary ethics indirect reciprocity reciprocal altruism sexual conflict utilitarianism
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Anthropology
Specific Sciences > Psychology > Evolutionary Psychology
Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory
General Issues > Ethical Issues
Depositing User: Dr. Harriet Muus
Date Deposited: 18 Jan 2025 13:51
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2025 13:53
Item ID: 24569
DOI or Unique Handle: doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/c659q
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Anthropology
Specific Sciences > Psychology > Evolutionary Psychology
Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory
General Issues > Ethical Issues
Date: 12 August 2024
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24569

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