What Good Is Morality?

Nikhil Krishnan's article reviews Hanno Sauer's book, "The Invention of Good and Evil," which posits that morality is not a discovered truth but an evolved human construct shaped by our history and biology. The article explores Sauer's argument that our capacity for cooperation and punishment in early human societies laid the groundwork for modern moral values. Krishnan discusses Sauer's optimistic view that despite apparent differences, universal moral values exist and understanding their origins can foster reconciliation. The review also considers potential challenges to this optimism, noting that our evolved psychology also includes the capacity for conflict and the creation of new out-groups based on differing moral stances. Ultimately, the piece examines the idea that comprehending the origins of our morality may or may not strengthen our faith in its current form and facilitate moral progress.Source: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/12/30/the-invention-of-good-and-evil-hanno-sauer-book-reviewSimilar Content: http://philosophics.blog