Evolution and Normativity

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the emergence of normativity, it explains the evolution of the neural structures that enable man to form beliefs, generate knowledge, adopt norms that fall under evolution mechanism, and the evolution of the norms, such as social and moral norms. Insofar as the tradition has been concerned with normative and prescriptive claims, the traditionalists have argued that evolutionary epistemology and evolutionary ethics are purely descriptive and thus fail to address these traditional questions of justification. So, it seems reasonable that the evolved limitations of our physical and mental capabilities are relevant to determining or setting the boundaries of our normative demands. However, the hybrid view recognizes the importance of normative demands but sees evolutionary theory as forcing a reconceptualization of the nature of those demands. The chapter also reviews the biological bases of normative activity, the neural processes that enables man to be the normative creature, and how man has come to accept the norms that he has.