Evolution and the seven deadly sins

Abstract

The seven deadly sins are a popular theme, but they are often brushed off as antiquated, the product of stringent moral rules, or just arbitrary. In this thesis, I explain morality from a different perspective: evolutionary psychology. Using the Seven Deadly Sins as an example, I provide a user-friendly understanding of why we have the moral rules that we have. Boyd and Richerson (1992) demonstrated that, through the use of punishment, any rule---no matter how capricious---can be upheld. What I seek to explain is that moral rules, in this case the Seven Sins, are not arbitrary---or, at least, they were not arbitrary in the environment in which our innate moral faculties developed, though these rules may seem ascetic today. I suggest that much of what falls under the conceptual umbrella of morality can be better understood when framed as problems of cooperation. The Seven Sins are a useful example of the usefulness of moral rules, and psychopathy provides a comparison for understanding the importance of conscience.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2010

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Cash, Mason

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

Office of Undergraduate Studies

Degree Program

Interdisciplinary Studies

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Undergraduate Studies;Undergraduate Studies -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022494

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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