PSYC 384 - Naturalizing Moral Systems

1 unit(s)

An abiding question among academics and laypersons has to do with the origins of ideas about morality. This course explores the hypothesis that human moral systems have a biological/evolutionary grounding and can, therefore, be naturalized. In an effort to examine this thesis, the course surveys arguments and evidence from a variety of frameworks, among them philosophical, evolutionary, primatological, neuroeconomic, developmental, and cross-cultural theory and data. We examine classic works as represented by Larry Arnhart, Richard Dawkins, Robert Trivers, R. D. Alexander, Matt Ridley, Frans deWaal as well as new models of morality, for instance, from Paul Churchland’s connectionist model of mind and Chris Boehm’s theory of motives behind the egalitarian ethic based in the hunter-gatherer way of life. Ms. Broude.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 105 or PSYC 106 or COGS 100 and a Research Methods course.

Not offered in 2013/14.

Open to seniors. For majors, satisfactory completion of a research methods course (PSYC 209, PSYC 219, PSYC 229, PSYC 239, PSYC 249, PSYC 259) is a prerequisite for these courses. Seminar seats are assigned according to a department lottery system. Please contact department office for lottery information. Non-majors and juniors should consult the instructor.