Modeling Rationality, Morality, and Evolution

by Peter Danielson (editor)

This collection focuses on questions that arise when morality is considered from the perspective of recent work on rational choice and evolution. Linking questions like "Is it rational to be moral?" to the evolution of cooperation in "The Prisoners Dilemma," the book brings together new work using models from game theory, evolutionary biology, and cognitive science, as well as from philosophical analysis. Among the contributors are leading figures in these fields, including David Gauthier, Paul M. Churchland, Brian Skyrms, Ronald de Sousa, and Elliot Sober.

Genres: Nonfiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 1998

About the author

House pseudonym used by Franklin King, James Reasoner, George Warren, and Hugh Zachary

Reviews

[Leyla Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some solid ideas here, especially when it touches on how morality might evolve through social systems. You can tell Peter Danielson knows his stuff. But the book just doesn’t come together in a way that feels readable. It jumps into technical territory too quickly and doesn’t really guide you through it. I liked a few sections, but overall it felt like work to get through rather than something I wanted to keep picking up.