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wats uo

EVOLUTIONARY MORAL
DEVELOPMENT


Defining the Term
◦ Evolutionary moral development is a concept that arose out of the theory of
evolution.
◦ Essentially, when humans evolved and started living in social groups, those who
were selfish were punished.
◦ Therefore, those who were selfish were less likely to be able to produce offspring
than the ones with an objective moral code.
◦ “Morality, or more strictly our belief in morality, is merely an adaptation put in
place to further our reproductive end.” (Does Evolution Compromise Human
Morality?, n.d).

Background Information on the
Term
◦ This theory was hypothesized by Richard Dawkins (1976- pictured below), Michael
Ruse and Edward O. Wilson (1993).
◦ They built this theory of morality basing it off of the famous Charles Darwin’s theory
of evolution, which attempts to explain a possible way in how we came to exist.
◦ “Survival of the Fittest” is where the philosophy largely draws from.

Evolutionary Moral Development's
Philosophical Ethics
◦ This theory states that humans are not qualitatively unique (we are all the same).
◦ Evolution’s processes are geared for survival and reproduction.
◦ However, moral characteristics are beneficial for survival.
◦ Morality is passed through genetics.
◦ Morality, in this concept, is defined as any action that further benefits one’s self and
those around them.

Biblical Principles on Morality
◦ Below are a few Biblical principles, the ones that assist in peaceful survival are also with held in
Evolutionary (not the one’s pertaining to God)
◦ Worship God only
◦ Respect and love your neighbor
◦ Be humble
◦ Be honest
◦ Do not steal
◦ Forgive others
◦ Do not gossip
◦ Do not be self-righteous
◦ Fleeing from sexual immorality
◦ Keeping the commandments

Do Evolutionary Moral Development
Ethics Agree with Biblical Principles?
◦ Evolutionary moral development argues that morality simply evolved over time,
whereas the Bible argues that...

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