The Evolution of Morality

Joyce's book is brilliant. There is nothing more important than knowing what we are doing when we speak in the language of value. We are animals that judge with cognitve and affective equipment. Joyce explains who we are. Nothing matters more. Owen Flanagan, James B. Duke Professor of Philosophy, Duke University Joyce's approach is refreshing, and he wears his learning lightly... [He] does an excellent job of bringing philosophy to the ordinary reader, using striking and quirky examples of different moral judgements... His bold, jargon-free approach means that this work is serious philosophy can nonetheless by understood by the non-philosophically trained layperson. Matthew Cobb Times Literary Supplement In his enjoyable and informative book The Evolution of Morality, Richard Joyce distinguishes between explaining how natural selection might explain socially useful behavior in animals and what more is needed to explain morality, with its thoughts about right or wrong, in human beings. Contrary to what others have said, Joyce argues plausibly that, to the extent that our moral concepts and opinions are the results of natural selection, there is no rational basis for these concepts and opinions. Gilbert Harman , Department of Philosophy, Princeton University This book is a tour de force, synthesizing disparate literatures into a pleasing whole. Joyce's writing is clear, articulate, and enjoyable, and his presentation masterful. William D. Casebeer , Associate Professor of Philosophy, U.S. Air Force Academy This book is a *tour de force*, synthesizing disparate literatures into a pleasing whole. Joyce's writing is clear, articulate, and enjoyable, and his presentation masterful. --William D. Casebeer, Associate Professor of Philosophy, U.S. Air Force Academy