What is morality? Where does it come from? And why do
most of us heed its call most of the time? In
''Braintrust'', neurophilosophy pioneer Patricia
Churchland argues that morality originates in the
biology of the brain. She describes the 'neurobiological
platform of bonding' that, modified by evolutionary
pressures and cultural values, has led to human styles
of moral behavior. The result is a provocative genealogy
of morals that asks us to reevaluate the priority given
to religion, absolute rules, and pure reason in
accounting for the basis of morality. Moral values,
Churchland argues, are rooted in a behavior common to
all mammals--the caring for offspring. The evolved
structure, processes, and chemistry of the brain incline
humans to strive not only for self-preservation but for
the well-being of allied selves - first offspring, then
mates, kin, and so on, in wider and wider 'caring'
circles. Separation and exclusion cause pain, and the
company of loved ones causes pleasure; responding to
feelings of social pain and pleasure, brains adjust
their circuitry to local customs. In this way, caring is
apportioned, conscience molded, and moral intuitions
instilled.A key part of the story is oxytocin, an
ancient body-and-brain molecule that, by decreasing the
stress response, allows humans to develop the trust in
one another necessary for the development of close-knit
ties, social institutions, and morality. A major new
account of what really makes us moral, ''Braintrust''
challenges us to reconsider the origins of some of our
most cherished values. |
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