How can evolution and neuroscience help us understand moral capacities?

Abstract

Trying to understand morality has been a central human preoccupation for as far back as human history extends, and for very good reasons. The core phenomenon is readily observable: we humans judge each other's behaviour as right or wrong, and each other's selves as moral or immoral. If others view you as moral, you will thrive in the bosom of a human group. If, however, others view you as immoral, you are in deep trouble; you may even die young, either at the hands of others, or alone in the bush. These are very good reasons indeed for close attention to morality.