The Science of Morality

by DALEIDEN, JOSEPH L.

• ISBN13: 9781573922258
• ISBN10: 1573922250
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-09-01
• Publisher: Prometheus Books

Summary

Arriving at universal principles by which we judge the moral content of our actions has long been considered the exclusive domain of theology and philosophy. But advances in science and technology have stretched our moral boundaries. Contending that we must stop excluding science from the moral process, Joseph L. Daleiden offers the radical view that only an interdisciplinary approach grounded in scientific method can hope to develop moral norms appropriate to today's world. Far from being absolute and timeless commandments, our norms are social rules of behaviour designed to balance the needs of the individual with those of the larger society. Enriched by recent developments in philosophy, psychology, neurology, physics, socio-biology, sociology, and economics, 'The Science of Morality' outlines a compelling set of hypotheses that challenges traditional notions of how moral behaviour is determined while focusing on the empirical questions that must be resolved if we are to confront such perplexing moral issues as abortion, euthanasia, drug use, poverty, and related problems.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	7	(4)
Introduction	11	(12)
PART I. DEVELOPING A METAETHICAL THEORY	23	(194)
1. Determining truth with a Small "t"	23	(30)
2. Free Will versus Determinism	53	(33)
3. Purpose and Metaethical Theories	86	(39)
4. Utilitarianism	125	(12)
5. Rawlsian Justice	137	(20)
6. Sociobiology-The Genetic Basis for Moral Development	157	(24)
7. Moral Development Theory	181	(13)
8. Social Learning Theory and Behaviorism	194	(11)
9. Summary of Part I	205	(12)
PART II. ESTABLISHING ETHICAL NORMS	217	(122)
10. Morality as Harmony	217	(42)
11. Promoting Harmony Through the Law	259	(25)
12. The Role of Punishment in Modifying Behavior	284	(21)
13. Promoting Harmony Through Prosocial Development	305	(34)
PART III. APPLYING SCIENCE TO ASSESS MORAL ISSUES	339	(162)
14. Drug Use	339	(9)
15. Abortion	348	(25)
16. Euthanasia	373	(37)
17. Sexual Behavior	410	(36)
18. Erotica and Pornography	446	(24)
19. Distributive Justice	470	(15)
20. Summary and Conclusions	485	(16)
APPENDICES	501	(18)
Appendix A. The Logical Positivist Debate	501	(2)
Appendix B. Causality, Predictability, and Chance	503	(4)
Appendix C. Motivations Beyond Rational Self-Interest	507	(2)
Appendix D. Theological Morality versus Humanist Ethics	509	(3)
Appendix E. Competition and Cultural Conditioning	512	(2)
Appendix F. The California Child Development Project	514	(5)
Selected Bibliography	519	(8)
Index	527