Some thoughts and questions as you read chapter 2 of The Faith Instinct:
- Nicholas Wade writes, “Everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. But where does that sure knowledge come from? From reason, as some philosophers have taught? Or from divine revelation, as theologians say? … Biologists began to see that they might be able to construct a new explanation of morality: moral behavior does not originate from outside the human mind or even from conscious reasoning….but rather has been wired into the genetic circuitry of the mind by evolution.” (see Wade, p. 18-19)
Where does morality come from? (see Wade, p. 17-28)
- Scientists are now asking: is morality ‘wired’ into the human genome?
- Research shows that humans actually have use two moral processes:
- moral intuitions are genetically shaped, perhaps rooted in emotions
- moral reasoning seems to have developed after language emerged
Could social behaviors (like religion) develop through natural selection? (see Wade, p. 28-32)
- Could natural selection really work at the group level, too?
- Could other social animals have moral rules, too?
- Could animals have emotions, too?
- Could moral rules really have developed out of violence and warfare?
Contemporary primatologist Frans de Waal has identified some building blocks of primate social behavior. (see Wade, p. 32-34)
Why would primate groups have any interest in the following behaviors?
- Cooperation, getting along (techniques for reconciliation after conflict)
- Empathy (ability to understand another’s feelings)
- Ability to learn social rules
- A sense of reciprocity
In addition to moral codes, why did religious behaviors emerge in early humans? (see Wade, p. 35-37)
- With developing intelligence and increasing populations, was a stronger social bond needed?
- Did religions make people fear the consequences of forbidden behaviors, reinforcing morality?
- Did religions develop to motivate people to put group interests before their own?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete