Category:
Special Publication
Sep 12, 2018
Constructing Our Niches: The Application of Evolutionary Theory to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has the ability to mindfully orchestrate the direction our built environments push us with regards to climate change, occupant wellbeing, and the evolution of life on this planet. But it requires we construct our “niches” in a manner that consistently provides environments aligned with our individual and group level needs, including long term needs associated with social stability and environmental sustainability.
May 23, 2018
Is There a Universal Morality? Introduction and Overview of Responses
TVOL is pleased to explore the question “Is there a universal morality?” with the help of philosophers and scientists at the forefront of studying morality in light of “this view of life”. Our fifteen essayists provided a surprising diversity of answers to the question.
May 17, 2018
On Morals, Rituals, and Obligations
“… breach of obligation may be ‘one of the few, if not, indeed, the only act that is always and everywhere held to be immoral’.”
May 17, 2018
Do Universal Moral Intuitions Shape and Constrain Culturally Prevalent Moral Norms?
Universal moral intuitions are like anchors, invisible from the surface but immovably secured to the seabed, whereas culturally prevalent moral norms are like buoys on the surface of the water, available to direct observation.
May 17, 2018
Moral Universals, Moral Particulars and Tinbergen’s Four Questions
Tinbergen’s four questions apply to any variation-and-selection process, including but not restricted to genetic evolution. Accordingly, they can be insightful for the study of moral universals and particulars as products of human genetic and cultural evolution.
May 17, 2018
Universal morality is obscured by evolved morality
Evolved morality not only obscures universal morality but also creates an aversion to improvements to humans that would align our intuitions with actions that promote sentient well-being.
May 17, 2018
Moral Disagreement is Universal
We can find a path to moral consensus by focusing on our shared concerns for people’s welfare, rather than contentious and divisive moral principles.
May 17, 2018
A Universal Principle Within Morality’s Ultimate Source
Properly understood, morality is not a burden; it is an effective means for increasing the benefits of cooperation, especially emotional well-being resulting from sustained cooperation with family, friends, and community.
May 17, 2018
Seven Moral Rules Found All Around the World
Morality is always and everywhere a cooperative phenomenon.
May 17, 2018
Why It’s Unwise to Deny Moral Universals
You don’t need much in the way of normative assumptions to convert facts into values. Consider the assertion: "All else being equal, more wellbeing is better than less." Who could object? It’s all but definitionally true.
May 17, 2018
Are Large-Scale Societies Outliers When It Comes To Core Elements Of Moral Judgment?
Most comparative studies of human moral judgment have been restricted to large-scale, industrialized populations, but critical tests of putative universals must include small-scale societies.
May 17, 2018
Is there a universal morality?
“…ethics has to do with how to arrive at as harmonious social interactions as it is humanly possible.”
May 17, 2018
Our Modern Moral Predicament
The outer limits of moral possibility are established by the emotional tendencies that prepare us to be morality-making beings.