Evolutionary Ethics Research Articles

Secular and Theological Ethics: A Brief Overview

Ethics is a study which deals fundamentally with the rules of conduct from moral point of view. The main characteristic of ethics is to judge the value of moral act or moral conduct. Therefore, ethics means a code of conduct. The history of the development of morality grew through a long process of evolution of certain morality like ‘taboos’, habits and customs in the primitive society. There are two broad divisions of ethics i. e., secular ethics and theological ethics. The history of the development of secular ethics flourished through four periods i. e., the Greek ethics, the Medieval ethics, the Modern ethics and the Contemporary ethics. Each period has its own prominent characteristics. Moreover, the history of theological ethics grew with the rise of different religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Morality has been developed during the period of more than two thousand years. Within this long span of time, many doctrines, ideas and values are included in it. Hence, morality takes different shapes in different periods and ethical views also develop accordingly. In this article, an attempt has been made to show a gradual development of morality- secular and theological. Again, the similarities and the dissimilarities between secular and theological ethics are the additional concerns of this paper. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#73-74; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2023 P 59-94

Cultural Moral Evolution: A Proposed Model and Application in a Review and Analysis of the Evolutionary Stages of Diverse Cultures and the Impact on the Emergence and Identification of LGBTQA+ Communities

Abstract The authors present a five-part initial examination of cultural moral evolution in several diverse cultures, looking specifically at attitudes towards LGBTQA+ communities and scrutinizing how societal attitudes shift from fear, animus, tolerance, and acceptance to integration. This evolution is gauged through various societal lenses, including laws, religion, human rights, and educational practices. In Part One, the authors discuss the concept of cultural moral evolution and how it differs from and shares some of the same traits as cultural anthropology. Part Two explores cultural moral evolution towards LGBTQA+ communities in three countries: Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. Part Three extends this analysis to four US states – Florida, Alaska, Hawaii, and Colorado. Part Four focuses on the US military, particularly the US Navy, analysing its cultural moral evolution towards the LGBTQA+ community. Finally, these observations are synthesized, with a summary of how the cultural moral evolution model is applied across different societal segments.

Virtues as protective factors for adolescent mental health.

This paper explores the decline in adolescent mental health and the weakening of traditional moral frameworks, positing education in the virtues as protective of mental health due to the intrinsic link between moral/existential wellbeing and psychological health. By integrating character education into school curricula, a continuous "dosage" of moral guidance may be an optimal way to ensure a gradual and ever-clearer articulation of a life worth living and how to live well. The paper critiques popular clinical and positive psychological approaches to promoting wellbeing, which often miss the existential and moral dimensions of adolescent growth. The conclusion emphasizes the need for integrating moral education into mental health interventions to address the comprehensive existential and moral dimensions of adolescent development. This paper advocates for a proactive character developmental model that nurtures moral and existential growth, recognizing challenges with virtue and meta-virtue development as integral to personal and moral evolution, and enhancing the moral and psychological fortitude of adolescents.

Whistleblowing likelihood scale in the lights of Kohlberg and Maqasid Shariah

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a new whistleblowing scale considering the conventional and Islamic perspectives in combating corruption. Whistleblowing has received great attention because it helps the corruption prevention process by revealing bad practices, improving transparency and ensuring accountability. However, not many scholars have focused on the concept of whistleblowing in the Islamic context.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a theoretical inquiry design, delving into the literature to thoroughly examine whistleblowing likelihood, Kohlberg’s theory and Maqasid Shariah. Through qualitative content analysis, relevant concepts are scrutinized and synthesized. The integration of Kohlberg’s theory and Maqasid Shariah aims to offer a comprehensive framework for comprehending whistleblowing likelihood, integrating perspectives from both Western and Islamic traditions.FindingsThis study has conceptualized the integration of the six stages of Kohlberg and Maqasid Shariah to understand whistleblowing likelihood. The study offers a scale to explain whistleblowing likelihood based on the two theories.Research limitations/implicationsThe correlation between Kohlberg and Maqasid Shariah reveals a nuanced relationship between individual moral evolution and Islamic ethical imperatives, in the context of whistleblowing likelihood. As individuals progress through Kohlberg’s stages, aligning with Maqasid Shariah’s emphasis on societal well-being, their inclination to blow the whistle evolves from early considerations of fear and conformity to a commitment to universal ethical principles and justice.Practical implicationsThe new scale integrating Kohlberg and Maqasid Shariah aids ethical climates in organizations by assessing employees’ moral development and promoting ethical leadership through tailored training. Aligned with Islamic values, the scale becomes a tool for fostering ethical behavior and organizational culture, emphasizing justice and commitment to higher ethical objectives. Managers must delicately balance justice and community harmony when implementing whistleblowing initiatives to ensure a positive impact on both ethical principles and organizational cohesion.Social implicationsBy integrating the six stages of moral development proposed by Kohlberg, the new scale plays a role in promoting transparency and accountability for sustainable development. Furthermore, its alignment with Maqasid Shariah contributes to addressing corruption and advocating for social justice, making the scale a catalyst for societal well-being that respects cultural and religious values. Ultimately, the scale supports a socially responsible approach, reinforcing ethical behavior and contributing to the broader global agenda for sustainable and just societies.Originality/valueThe new scale integrating Kohlberg and Maqasid Shariah offers an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to assessing whistleblowing likelihood. This fusion provides a nuanced understanding of individuals’ ethical reasoning, aligning universal moral principles with Islamic ethics. The scale not only broadens the conceptual framework for evaluating ethical decision-making but also respects cultural diversity, making it inclusive and applicable across diverse global contexts.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT OF MORALITY FROM PHILOSOPHICAL CONTENT INTO CRITIQUE OF SATIRE IN INDIAN ART

The development of the concept of satire holds an important place in the philosophical content of Indian art as it has transformed in several ways reflecting the socio-cultural and political changes. Satire has been voiced in Indian art over the years through its varied expressions that are crucial to understanding the hidden content of commentary or the overtly implied motives of satire in different art forms. The purpose of my research is to explore two interdependent concepts, first, the kinship of satire to the concept of Indian moral philosophy; and second, the reflection of moral philosophy through varied expressions of satire in Indian art. Morality has had deep roots in Indian philosophy since ancient times. The moral and ethical framework of philosophy revolves around the concept of ‘Dharma’ that holds immense importance in the philosophical foundation of different schools such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It is also central to the metaphysical identity of the Indian culture that aims to foster ethical conduct through righteousness and justice. Indian art has evolved through the ages as a reflection of society and its influence on the formation of culture and values. Teachings of morality have been integral to the Indian culture rather than the biting language of satire that found its expressions in Indian art around the later stages of development, that is around the medieval period when a deeper inflow of foreign influence began entering the Indian cultural system. I aim to understand the evolution of morality from the ancient period progressing toward the critical harsh mockery of satire in contemporary Indian art.

Intuitive Theories and the Cultural Evolution of Morality

We explore the role of intuitive theories in the cultural evolution of moral cognition, integrating recent work across subfields of psychology and suggesting directions for future research. Focusing on intuitive theories in the moral domain concerning how people judge the moral value of actions and make inferences about moral character, we review evidence that the specific forms these theories take vary across individuals and can change via social learning. We propose that cultural selection can operate over the intuitive theories people apply in the moral domain, in which particular variants of intuitive moral theories can be more “successful” to the extent that they are cognitively efficient or provide reputational benefits. Finally, we explore some implications of considering moral cognition as a kind of cultural technology that can be innovated, considering whether intuitive moral theories help or hinder our ability to improve our collective moral norms or practices.

Justice at the Forefront: Cultivating felt accountability towards Artificial Intelligence among healthcare professionals

The advent of AI has ushered in a new era of patient care, but with it emerges a contentious debate surrounding accountability for algorithmic medical decisions. Within this discourse, a spectrum of views prevails, ranging from placing accountability on AI solution providers to laying it squarely on the shoulders of healthcare professionals. In response to this debate, this study, grounded in the mutualistic partner choice (MPC) model of the evolution of morality, seeks to establish a configurational framework for cultivating felt accountability towards AI among healthcare professionals. This framework underscores two pivotal conditions: AI ethics enactment and trusting belief in AI and considers the influence of organizational complexity in the implementation of this framework. Drawing on Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of a sample of 401 healthcare professionals, this study reveals that a) focusing justice and autonomy in AI ethics enactment along with building trusting belief in AI reliability and functionality reinforces healthcare professionals’ sense of felt accountability towards AI, b) fostering felt accountability towards AI necessitates ensuring the establishment of trust in its functionality for high complexity hospitals, and c) prioritizing justice in AI ethics enactment and trust in AI reliability is essential for low complexity hospitals.

A Revelation of Life-Experiences in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Waiting for a Visa

This article endeavours critically to analyse and evaluate the life experiences of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in his autobiography, Waiting for a Visa. A literary autobiography is truly a full and actual portrayal of the truthful incidents, pains, pleasures, actions, achievements, successes and failures of a protagonist's life. It is genuinely a life story of a great person authored by himself or herself. Ambedkar's autobiography entitled Waiting for a Visa presents justifiably a true story of the experiences, observations, sufferings and struggles of the character hero’s life and gives authentically a deep insight into the inner-outer personality and public life of Ambedkar and his contemporaries. Apart from introducing a detailed description of his life the autobiographer, Ambedkar, reveals actually an abridged account of his life- experiences and observations that are much more significant and relevant to the modern world than merely introducing dates and events of his life. Ambedkar is popularly known as the father of Indian constitution and is immensely honored as one of the most intellectual personalities ever born in Indian society. This study evaluates objectively that Ambedkar's autobiography, Waiting for a Visa contains continuously historical, cultural and intellectual significance in the moral evolution of several communities of Indian life. It reveals dispassionately the literary relevance of the major issues that the autobiographer raised fearlessly through his bitters experiences of evil practice of untouchability in Indian national life. The narrated conflict in the autobiography is wholly a literary device that stands for a struggle between the two conflicting forces. One represents moral language, conduct and dignity while the other represents immoral language, conduct and evil practice of untouchability. The conflict plays a vital role of struggle that creates crucial hardships in this life story of Ambedkar and is used to move the autobiography forward. In Waiting for a Visa Ambedkar tirelessly struggles for his education, water, food, shelter and safety. It is exceptionally appreciable and inspirational. With the help of moral and humanitarian values like meekness, kindness, courage and patience Ambedkar endeavors powerfully to overcome the immoral thinking, attitude of the Hundus who were responsible for this injustice. He fought bravely against conservative tradition, custom, false belief, superstitions, social discrimination and immoral people who made Dalit people deprived of their basic and existential rights and due dignity on the ground of the hierarchical system in Indian national life. He uses technically the first person pronoun such as I, me, my, we, us, our.

Immanuel Kant: elucidations on education and moral development

This text seeks to present the contributions of the philosopher Immanuel Kant with regard to pedagogical practice and its relationship with the development of morality. These themes are found in his works: Foundations of the Metaphysics of Customs (1785), Critique of Practical Reason (1788) and On Pedagogy (1803). Based on these, the aim is to present some of the philosopher's points about the importance of instruction for the moral formation of the individual, based on the understanding that negative discipline and positive instruction are essential elements in this construction. For Kant, education must begin in childhood and be geared towards moral evolution, since it is not innate and must be cultivated. This morality, according to Kant, needs to be based exclusively on reason, since all humans are equally rational and all are subject to the same moral law. As a result, the action must be performed out of respect for the moral law, even if it is contrary to personal inclinations or brings harm to the agent himself. In order to be sure that your action is in accordance with the moral law, you need to reflect on the possibility of its universalization, in other words, whether it can be carried out by all human beings without harming anyone. In this sense, only morality based entirely on reason can preserve the dignity of human beings and promote their progress.

Moral evolution as development: an unfinished task

Moral evolution as development: an unfinished task

Analisis Id, Ego, dan Supergo pada Tokoh Lolita dalam Novel Secret Obsession Karya Anggarani

Id, ego and super-ego are separate psychic structures in humans but interact with each other. This concept was formulated by Sigmund Freud. This journal discusses the id, ego and super-ego in the literary work of the novel entitled Secret Obsession by Angkai. The problem of this research is how the id, ego and super-ego influence the behavior of the main character in the novel entitled Secret Obsession by Budgeti. The method used in this research uses a literary psychology approach with Sigmud Freud's psychoanalysis theory regarding the id, ego and super-ego of the character Lolita in the novel Secret Obsession by Budgeti. The results of this research can be concluded that Lolita shows more mature ego development, is able to control the id's feelings of pleasure and interact more realistically. Additionally, Lolita's superego side shows moral evolution, such as guilt, regret, and the drive to become a better person. The factors that influence the development of Lolita's character consist of the people around her, the environment, and hurt feelings. Analysis is carried out from the beginning, middle, to the end of the story, showing significant character evolution.

The Multiscale Principle in Nature (Principium luxuriæ): Linking Multiscale Thermodynamics to Living and Non-Living Complex Systems

Why do fractals appear in so many domains of science? What is the physical principle that generates them? While it is true that fractals naturally appear in many physical systems, it has so far been impossible to derive them from first physical principles. However, a proposed interpretation could shed light on the inherent principle behind the creation of fractals. This is the multiscale thermodynamic perspective, which states that an increase in external energy could initiate energy transport mechanisms that facilitate the dissipation or release of excess energy at different scales. Within this framework, it is revealed that power law patterns, and to a lesser extent, fractals, can emerge as a geometric manifestation to dissipate energy in response to external forces. In this context, the exponent of these power law patterns (thermodynamic fractal dimension D) serves as an indicator of the balance between entropy production at small and large scales. Thus, when a system is more efficient at releasing excess energy at the microscopic (macroscopic) level, D tends to increase (decrease). While this principle, known as Principium luxuriæ, may sound promising for describing both multiscale and complex systems, there is still uncertainty about its true applicability. Thus, this work explores different physical, astrophysical, sociological, and biological systems to attempt to describe and interpret them through the lens of the Principium luxuriæ. The analyzed physical systems correspond to emergent behaviors, chaos theory, and turbulence. To a lesser extent, the cosmic evolution of the universe and geomorphology are examined. Biological systems such as the geometry of human organs, aging, human brain development and cognition, moral evolution, Natural Selection, and biological death are also analyzed. It is found that these systems can be reinterpreted and described through the thermodynamic fractal dimension. Therefore, it is proposed that the physical principle that could be behind the creation of fractals is the Principium luxuriæ, which can be defined as “Systems that interact with each other can trigger responses at multiple scales as a manner to dissipate the excess energy that comes from this interaction”. That is why this framework has the potential to uncover new discoveries in various fields. For example, it is suggested that the reduction in D in the universe could generate emergent behavior and the proliferation of complexity in numerous fields or the reinterpretation of Natural Selection.

Эволюция технологий, правовых и моральных норм: последствия распространения молекулярно-генетических тестов на отцовство

Introduction: human use of new technologies leads and will lead to changes in the content of legal and moral norms. Today, despite the possibility of molecular genetic research, there remains legal presumption of paternity of the spouse, which indicates the expressed trust in the woman and the institution of family on the part of the state. Purpose: using interdisciplinary knowledge from the fields of anthropology, cognitive science, reproductive psychology, biology, genetics, to determine the factors and directions of the evolution of law and morality if the subjective right of a man to free genomic research at the birth of a child in a marriage becomes reflected in the law. Methods: inductive and deductive methods, analogy, legal dogmatics, phenomenological method, comparative law method, general scientific method of dialectics, forecasting, modeling. Results: abuse of a spouse’s trust in a marriage is at risk of being discovered, which is due to the increasing use of modern technologies. By postponing the discussion on the introduction into law of a man’s subjective right to free molecular genetic research at the birth of a child, society and the state are showing dubious humanism in relation to the child, his social and biological parents. Disclosure of the deception in the future may be associated with the inability for men who have not produced their genetic offspring to have children, and with psychological trauma for family members between whom attachment has formed. The possible results of the widespread use of molecular genetic testing technology to confirm paternity must be analyzed in conjunction with the consequences of the spread of contraception and artificial insemination. Conclusions: increased family stability may be a consequence of increasing trust in the chosen partner and the formation of the idea that adultery is unacceptable. The long-term consequences of the widespread use of genome research technologies will become visible as generations change and can lead to a complete denial of the need for strict rules of law and morality in this area, since the function of controlling sexual behavior will be delegated by society to machines. However, the significant role of social norms in this area may continue: the use of educational opportunities by society will ultimately prove decisive in the evolution of man, morality, and law.

도덕과교육에서 선한 인간 본성에 관한 연구

Objectives This study aims to explore the goodness of human nature, focusing on the empirical research of Bregman and Tomasello, to find the meaning of moral education and to suggest practical directions.
 Methods To this end, representative cases that seem to represent the wickedness of human nature were explored and objected based on Bregman's research. And through Tomasello's research, this study attempted to examine the experimental results that could prove the goodness of human nature and the human moral evolution scenario from a reasonable perspective. Based on this, an attempt was made to induce the formation of a positive perspective on humans in moral subject education and to suggest the direction of moral education.
 Results Bregman corrects errors by re-examining war and slaughter, psychology experiments, and media reports that seem to reveal the wickedness of human nature. In the process, he found that many participants showed good motivational behavior. Tomasello revealed the inherently moral aspect of modern humans through evolutionary psychology experiments. And he constructed the evolutionary process of morality leading to large apes, early humans, and modern humans through the interdependence hypothesis. As a result, an empirical and scientific basis was established for teachers to form a positive perspective on children in moral education.
 Conclusions The results of Bregman and Tomasello's research demonstrate the goodness of human nature empirically and scientifically. Considering this, participants in moral education, especially teachers, will be able to indirectly influence based on a positive perspective on humans in general, and will be able to conceive and practice direct educational activities.

Reflections on Morality-as-cooperation Theory: Curry's Interpretation of Morality, Evolutionary Ethics, and Consequentialism

Morality-as-cooperation theory is an evolutionary moral theory that emphasizes the influence of individual thinking and character on moral behavior. It suggests that morality is shaped by cognitive abilities, social norms, and cultural values, with individuals motivated by both their interests and the welfare of others. Character plays a crucial role in providing consistency and stability in moral actions. However, the theory inherits flaws from evolutionary ethics and consequentialism, leading to the naturalistic fallacy. This theory fails to distinguish between natural facts and moral values, overlooking normative morality. It lacks attention to moral values and normativity, essential aspects of any moral theory. Additionally, its consequentialist character equates cooperation with moral normality, ignoring the distinction between morally "good" and "bad" cooperation. To address these shortcomings, it should explore the moral values behind cooperative behaviors and differentiate descriptive and normative morality. It should consider culture, beliefs, and rationality as vital factors in moral development, along with evolutionary processes. Avoiding the naturalistic fallacy requires analyzing the moral nature of cooperation and its various consequences. The theory offers valuable insights into moral behavior formation, considering individual thinking and character alongside external influences.

What is morality? A historical exploration

The objective of the article was to get more clarity on what morality is by addressing the question: ‘Can, in spite of undeniable adaptation and change through the ages, core elements of morality be detected that might be regarded as constitutive of morality?’ The method followed was to undertake a historical exploration of some of the pivotal factors contributing to the historical development of morality. An attempt was first made to identify the most important historical sources of morality. This was followed by a discussion of the social function and characteristics morality displayed in history. The article came to the conclusion that morality is a normative social institution with distinctive and stable core constituents: a core function of enhancing cooperation in communities by providing normative guidance to members on the fair advancement of wellbeing, a set of moral values attuned to the fulfilment of this function, a set of mechanisms to motivate people to act in accordance with the moral values and approved ways to make moral decisions in concrete situations based on the moral values. At the same time, morality is a flexible social institution that adapts to changes in the social and cultural environment.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The research undertaken in the article drew on research findings in the fields of religious ethics, philosophy, evolutionary ethics, and psychology. Research results present religious and philosophical ethics with the challenge to critically evaluate the conception of morality they take as point of departure.

Psychological Underpinnings of Terror Awareness: A Comprehensive Dive into Ukrainians’ Perception of Terrorist Threats Amidst War Tensions

This article delves into the intricate dynamics of terrorist threat perceptions, particularly within the context of the Russian–Ukrainian war. By weaving together narrative understanding, cognitive and metacognitive styles, the challenges of information warfare, neuropsychological reactions, and resilience mechanisms, the research casts light on the complex interplay of psychological factors that shape Ukrainians’ perception of terrorist threats. Drawing from a diverse participant pool, the study identifies four major factors: “Comprehensive Threat Response and Socio-Psychological Terror Impact,” “Eco-Social Strain Perception and Cultural Identity and Societal Concerns,” “Physical and Societal Vulnerability and Intrinsic Fears and Moral Evolution,” and “Interpersonal Strains and Behavioral Indicators.” These elements offer an intricate understanding of how terrorist threats are perceived at both individual and societal levels. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary and holistic approaches in comprehending and navigating the nuances of perceived threats amidst geopolitical unrest.

Modern missionary work and Chinese women’s literacy: Amy Moore in China 1930–1949

ABSTRACT This article analyses the early work of the Australian missionary Amy Moore, who worked for the China Inland Mission for twenty years. Moore aimed to develop local Christian women leaders who would contribute to China’s spiritual and moral evolution, under the continuing guidance of the colonialism of the European powers. Moore was critical of much of the colonial interventions of Britain and others, but she did not consider that China had yet reached a state of spiritual and cultural maturity, particularly in its treatment of women. Her plan was to improve adult women’s literacy, combining her evangelical passion with influences from international movements for women’s emancipation, and campaigns to improve the condition of Chinese women. Moore’s work was also framed by international and progressive changes in the world mission movement in the interwar years. At the same time Moore responded to modernising changes within contemporary China. Improvements in health, education, and gendered relations for rural women influenced missionary women’s work. Moore shared many life experiences as young woman with Chinese colleagues and friends, yet always the bonds of affection and emotion were cut through by colonial and racial divides.

Environment, Ethics, and Entity Economics, Economia Aziendale. Historical and Ontological Aspects

The paper stresses the failure of ‘economics’ to predict and prevent repeated economic crises and the most critical topic of the environmental failure and ecological crises, founded also on economic theories and misconceived choices. The implication is a search for alternatives through an ontological-evolutionary-institutional approach and empirical investigations.
 The search for political ‘normative economics’, entity economics, accounting and information science copes with social and ecological-environmental problems, and systems science; it is necessary to keep always in mind these interactions for fully understand and correctly interpret the present ‘social-economic reality’.
 The problem concerning environmental decisions goes beyond ontology and belongs to ethics. It must underline the debates on ‘evolutionary ethics’, not only related with ‘environmental and ecological economics’, the management of environment and reporting, but also with ‘evolutionary ontology’; the new perspective affirms that ‘existence’, for instance, of a moral behavioral attitude, can reveal itself as a ‘norm’ thus relating ethics to ontology.
 General economists, entity economics theorists, as well as accountants and information scientists should be familiar with the potentials and limits of ‘ontology’, also for the ongoing expansion of computerization of scientific research in most of the scientific domains. The renewed interest, particularly in ontology, arouse specifically from systems scientists in constructing a wide variety of artificial intelligent systems. For its analysis, the study has been structured into two periods of time: until the middle of the 20th century and from that moment on. The paper ends by showing the new developments in information systems and their ontological approach

Evolutionary Ethics: Understanding its Transition

Evolutionary Ethics: Understanding its Transition