Human Evolution, Reproduction, and Morality

About this book

In the first volume of his trilogy, Petrinovich brings concepts from evolutionary biology, neurophysiology, and cognitive science to bear on such controversial issues as contraception, abortion, infanticide, reproductive technologies, and foetal tissues research. Although he bases the discussion on extensive research, he does takes a strong position on moral issues.

Contents

Part 1 Basic principles: the basic approach; the naturalistic and slippery slope fallacies; basic concepts - evolutionary mechanisms; evolutionary mechanisms and human behaviour; the evolved human social conditions; basic concepts - moral philosophy; the study of moral intuitions. Part 2 Issues in reproduction: contraception, abortion, and infanticide - issues and arguments; the critical nature of personhood; contraception, abortion, and infanticide - polar positions; abortion - policy considerations; reproductive technologies.

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Biography

Lewis Petrinovich is Professor of Psychology Emeritus at the University of California, Riverside. He is the author of Human Evolution, Reproduction, and Morality and Living and Dying Well (MIT Press, 1998).