The Origin and Growth of the Moral Instinct

The Origin and Growth of the Moral Instinct is a book written by Alexander Sutherland that explores the development of morality in human beings. The book delves into the origins of the moral instinct, examining the role of evolution and genetics in shaping our moral behavior. Sutherland argues that our moral instincts are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, and that they have evolved as a means of promoting social cohesion and cooperation. He also explores the ways in which our moral instincts have been influenced by cultural and environmental factors, such as religion, education, and social norms. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the science of morality, drawing on insights from psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and philosophy. It is a thought-provoking and insightful read for anyone interested in the origins of human morality and the ways in which it shapes our behavior and society.1898. This edition contains both Volumes I and II of this work. The following is an excerpt from a review of this book that appeared in the journal, Nature, at the time of its publication: Mr. Sutherland's work is thoroughly Darwinian, being based on a huge mass of observations which he has selected without apparent bias, marshaled well, and handled judiciously. Few books written since Darwin's time on the evolution of the human mind, are so thorough and comprehensive and well deserving of study. Its chief merit lies in the solid treatment by which the writer confirms and extends the masterly sketch drawn by Darwin in the fourth and fifth chapters of his Descent of Man, but it is also extremely original in many particulars; and though somewhat diffuse here and there, is interesting throughout...The main argument and the general results of his inquiry may be stated in a few words, but the fulness of their significance will be imperfectly realized without carefully reading the whole of his book. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.