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References and Resources

YouTube Videos​

  • Evolutionary morality Mike Isreatel - Long discussion on how morals have evolved.

  • Can evolution explain morality? Steven Pinker says explaining altruism by evolution is not all, but also logic is involved.

  • How I changed my mind about objective morality - Peter singer believes objective moral truth can exist. Based on reason. Non natural realist. Most people should agree that agony is objectively bad. Intuitions are mostly right, but logic should rule over it. Unusual situations, like ticking bomb scenario.

  • Objective Morality - Matt Dilahunty objective moral come from understanding the consequences of action. No absolute right and wrong. We care about well being, but very situational. Foundations of morals are subjective. Christians say that moral intuitions come from good, but intuition can be wrong, and how can god be wrong?

  • Does Objective Morality Exist? - A philosophical presentation and discussion - Jeffrey Kaplan makes an interesting argument.

  • How Did Human Morality Evolve? - Victor Kumar - gene / culture coevolution (alcohol flush, lactose intolerant ) gives a good defense of evolutionary morality. Defines morality as “emotion” feeling that we have. Also social norms. Just more effective cooperation. Culturally transmitted. Care giving to children is moral. We are social learners. Moral emotions, sympathy, trust, respect.

  • Derek Parfit - Full Address - Oct 10, 2015, Derek Parfit's book On What Matters was very influential in Peter Singer's switch to accepting objective moral truths. For those interested in understanding something of Parfit's influential metaethics, watch from the 39 to 48 minute marks.