I wish there is an area of science that gives reductionist explanations of morality, that is, the detailed contents of our current moral values and norms. One example that came up earlier was monogamy—why do all modern industrialized countries have monogamy as a social norm?
As for the wider question of reductionist explanations of morality, I’m a fan of the research of moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt (New York Times article, very readable paper).
You’re right that there are already people like Robert Wright and Jonathan Haidt who are trying to answer these questions. I suppose I’m really wishing that the science is a few decades ahead of where it actually is.
I’m currently reading The Moral Animal by Robert Wright, because it was recommended by, among others, Eliezer. I’m summarizing the chapters online as I read them. The fifth chapter, noting that more human societies have been polygynous than have been monogamous, examines why monogamy is popular today; you might want to check it out.
As for the wider question of reductionist explanations of morality, I’m a fan of the research of moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt (New York Times article, very readable paper).
You’re right that there are already people like Robert Wright and Jonathan Haidt who are trying to answer these questions. I suppose I’m really wishing that the science is a few decades ahead of where it actually is.
Thank you michael, I just read through your summary of Wright’s book, an excellent read.
Thanks! I’ll PM you when I’ve summarized parts three and four.