The Moral Brain

In this reader, a broad range of prominent scientists and philosophers share their views on the current theories and future challenges in the field of moral cognition and assess how cooperation between neurology and evolutionary psychology can boost research.

Scientists no longer accept the existence of a distinct moral organ as phrenologists once did. A generation of young neurologists is using advanced technological medical equipment to unravel specific brain processes enabling moral cognition. In addition, evolutionary psychologists have formulated hypotheses about the origins and nature of our moral architecture. Little by little, the concept of a 'moral brain' is reinstated.

As the crossover between disciplines focusing on moral cognition was rather limited up to now, this book aims at filling the gap. Which evolutionary biological hypotheses provide a useful framework for starting new neurological research? How can brain imaging be used to corroborate hypotheses concerning the evolutionary background of our species?

In this reader, a broad range of prominent scientists and philosophers shed their expert view on the current accomplishments and future challenges in the field of moral cognition and assess how cooperation between neurology and evolutionary psychology can boost research into the field of the moral brain.

Cutting-edge research in moral psychology Crossover between different disciplines, including evolutionary psychology and neurology A very broad collection of perspectives by a number of excellent scientists New perspectives on the moral brain with possible implications for criminology, philosophy and moral education

Inhalt
The Immoral Brain.- Extended Attachment and the Human Brain: Internalized Cultural Values and Evolutionary Implications.- Neuro-Cognitive Systems Involved in Moral Reasoning.- Empathy and Morality: Integrating Social and Neuroscience Approaches.- Moral Judgment and the Brain: A Functional Approach to the Question of Emotion and Cognition in Moral Judgment Integrating Psychology, Neuroscience and Evolutionary Biology.- Moral Dysfunction: Theoretical Model and Potential Neurosurgical Treatments.- Does It Pay to be Good? Competing Evolutionary Explanations of Pro-Social Behaviour.- How Can Evolution and Neuroscience Help Us Understand Moral Capacities?.- Runaway Social Selection for Displays of Partner Value and Altruism.- The Evolved Brain: Understanding Religious Ethics and Religious Violence.- An Evolutionary and Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective on Moral Modularity.