Since the Origin of Species was first published, Darwinism has been attacked for undermining traditional morality. In particular, because it emphasizes the kinship between humans and other animals, Darwinism seems incompatible with the traditional idea of human dignity - that human life has a special value, while other animals may be sacrificed for any purpose that humans choose. This book argues that Darwinism does undermine the traditional idea of human dignity; however, this is not a reason for rejecting Darwin's outlook. Instead, it is a reason for rejecting human dignity and replacing it with a better moral view, a more enlightened ethic regarding both the value of human life and our treatment of nonhuman animals. This important book, presenting Darwin's scientific and non-scientific views as one united theory, will stimulate all those interested in evolution, morality, religion, and animal rights to re-examine their views.
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An account of the relevance of Darwinism to ethics. The author explains the development of Darwin's ideas, and how natural selection can paradoxically foster altruistic rather than egoistic tendencies, setting out the implications for conventional religion and ethics.
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Darwin's discovery; how evolution and ethics might be related; must a Darwinian be sceptical about religion?; how different are humans from other animals?; morality without the idea that humans are special.
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`Professor Rachel's study of ethics and evolution is an example of polemical writing at its best.' The Tablet

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780192861290
Publisert
1991
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press
Vekt
322 gr
Høyde
2503 mm
Bredde
127 mm
Dybde
15 mm
Aldersnivå
UU, UP, P, G, 05, 06, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
250

Forfatter

Om bidragsyterne

James Rachels is author of The End of Life (OUP, 1986)