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The Expanding Circle
Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress
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The Expanding Circle
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is ideal for readers interested in philosophy, ethics, evolutionary psychology, and the foundations of moral reasoning. It suits scholars, students, and anyone curious about the development of human altruism and ethical thought.
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See moreWhat is ethics? Where do moral standards come from? Are they based on emotions, reason, or some innate sense of right and wrong? This title argues that altruism began as a genetically based drive to protect one's kin and community members but has developed into a consciously chosen ethic with an expanding circle of moral concern.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
What is ethics? Where do moral standards come from? Are they based on emotions, reason, or some innate sense of right and wrong? For many scientists, the key lies entirely in biology—especially in Darwinian theories of evolution and self-preservation.
But if evolution is a struggle for survival, why are we still capable of altruism? In his classic study, The Expanding Circle, Peter Singer argues that altruism began as a genetically based drive to protect one's kin and community members but has developed into a consciously chosen ethic with an expanding circle of moral concern.
Drawing on philosophy and evolutionary psychology, he demonstrates that human ethics cannot be explained by biology alone. Rather, it is our capacity for reasoning that makes moral progress possible.
In a new afterword, Singer takes stock of his argument in light of recent research on the evolution of morality.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Steven Pinker praises Singer's theory as insightful and ahead of its time, highlighting its reconciliation of human nature with moral progress. Robert Wright calls the book brilliant, noting its powerful application of Darwinian insights to ethics. Michael Ruse regards it as a lasting and relevant introduction to evolution and ethics, still resonant nearly 30 years after publication.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691150697
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 08 May 2011
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Edition: Revised edition
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 312g
Pages: 232
About the Author
Peter Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. His books include Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics, Rethinking Life and Death, One World, and, most recently, The Life You Can Save.
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