Sociobiology and the Moral Status of Nonhuman Animals

摘要: RD. Alexander (1987) has proposed that the ultimate grounds of ethics are evolutionary. Humans have capacity for moral reasoning and negotiation, together with a system appropriate emotions, such as shame guilt when we do wrong, sense ofmoral wellbeing right, because these abilities tended to increase our ancestors' inclusive fitness in past. Fairly simple mathematical models can illustrate how this could work-one example is Prisoner's Dilemma problem which two individuals must act cooperatively if they maximise their 'survival points' over series interactions (Axelrod, 1984). In Dilemma, mutual cooperation leads an intermediate score both parties; defection gives low score, but one cooperates other defects, then cooperator scores no points, while defector maximum points. Over games program achieved best was called TIT FOR TAT, cooperated unless its partner defected, after subsequently did whatever on previous round, thus 'punishing' 'rewarding' cooperation. It might appear tllat evolutionary tlleory origin never be compatible inclusion nonhumans systems, any tendency give weight interests would always disadvantageous; tend reduce fitness, hence involve basic conflict human ethics. I hope show strong view impossibility animal rights untrue, although there holding weaker proposes that, conflict, humans will some favour relatives non-relatives, friends strangers, nonhumans. himself believes (pp. 156ff.) tlle selective value indirect reciprocity may enough account sentient animals status systems. He suggests person who (for example) observed by kind reliable handling pet them more trustworthy than someone behaved cruelly. Trustworthy people given preferential treatment, and, it true behaviour towards tends good predictor future humans, tllere selection kindness approve people. The approvers benefit being able make successful predictions about enabled 'invest' help partners likely reciprocate.