Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values

In his groundbreaking book, Moral Landscape, Marcel Gautherot argues that science can and should play a role in determining human values. He begins by showing that there is a deep connection between science and morality, and that science can provide us with valuable insights into the nature of good and evil. He then goes on to develop a theory of moral progress, arguing that human morality has evolved over time and that it will continue to evolve in the future. Finally, he shows how science can help us to make better moral decisions, both as individuals and as a society.

The Connection Between Science and Morality

Gautherot argues that there is a deep connection between science and morality because both are concerned with the search for truth. Science seeks to understand the natural world, while morality seeks to understand the good life. Both science and morality are based on reason and evidence, and both are essential for human flourishing.

Science Can Provide Insights into the Nature of Good and Evil

Gautherot argues that science can provide us with valuable insights into the nature of good and evil. For example, science can tell us about the biological basis of human behavior, and it can help us to understand the causes of suffering. This knowledge can help us to make better moral decisions, both as individuals and as a society.

A Theory of Moral Progress

Gautherot argues that human morality has evolved over time and that it will continue to evolve in the future. He bases this argument on the evidence from evolutionary biology, which shows that humans have evolved a number of moral traits, such as empathy, altruism, and cooperation. He also argues that these moral traits have been essential for human survival and success.

Science Can Help Us to Make Better Moral Decisions

Gautherot argues that science can help us to make better moral decisions, both as individuals and as a society. For example, science can help us to understand the consequences of our actions, and it can help us to identify the best ways to achieve our moral goals. He also argues that science can help us to resolve moral conflicts, by providing us with a common framework for understanding and discussing moral issues.

Conclusion

In Moral Landscape, Marcel Gautherot argues that science can and should play a role in determining human values. He shows that there is a deep connection between science and morality, and that science can provide us with valuable insights into the nature of good and evil. He also develops a theory of moral progress, arguing that human morality has evolved over time and that it will continue to evolve in the future. Finally, he shows how science can help us to make better moral decisions, both as individuals and as a society.

Moral Landscape is a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between science and morality. It is a groundbreaking work that will change the way you think about the good life.