Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

Book is in good condition! There is light wear from use. The pages are clean with no marks.

How can the distinction between right and wrong be determined? This question is addressed through the examination of conscience by means of science and philosophy. In her remarkable publication Touching a Nerve, Patricia S. Churchland, the esteemed founder of neurophilosophy, draws upon scientific research on the brain to comprehend the philosophical and ethical implications it has on identity, consciousness, free will, and memory. In her work Conscience, she further delves into the formation of moral systems, exploring how they arise from the combination of our physical selves and the demands posed by our environment. Regardless of cultural differences and variations among individuals, all social groups uphold behavioral ideals. Churchland endeavors to understand the reasons behind these disparities by considering the influences of both nature and nurture. By looking to evolution, she seeks to elucidate how our brains are predisposed to form bonds, cooperate, and exhibit care from the moment of our birth. Furthermore, she demonstrates how children are socialized within society, learning the norms, values, and behaviors of their parents through repetition and rewards. Conscience extensively examines scientific studies, with particular focus on the intriguing research conducted on twins, in order to enhance our comprehension of whether individuals possess an inherent inclination to adopt specific ethical positions. The exploration of psychopathy sheds light on the scientific explanations for those who do not adhere to any moral system, providing insights into these unsettling individuals. Churchland subsequently turns to the realm of philosophy, encompassing the ideas of Socrates, Aquinas, and contemporary thinkers like Owen Flanagan, to contemplate why morality holds such centrality within all societies. She explores how these moral principles are transmitted across generations and why different cultures adhere to distinct moral codes. Through her unparalleled talent for bridging disparate ideas, Churchland sheds light on a subject that speaks to the very essence of being human. The book contains thirteen illustrations.

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