This San Diego emeritus professor of philosophy delves into the motivation controversies about why we have developed altruism, what motivates us to do almost anything, and what neurological mechanisms are at work when we decide to do a and not b. With wide-ranging knowledge of evolution, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, psychology, sociology and psychiatry, as well as very different schools of thought in moral philosophy, she conveys an abundance of information in clear prose. I have some concerns that some of the extremely complex social science experiments she cites may not be reliable or reproducible.
Detailed discussion of what is known and what is unknown about the neurological mechanisms accompanying moral decision-making is backed-up with complex neuroanatomy sketches that may be at times quite confusing to non-medical readers. The latter parts of the narrative use compelling arguments to dismiss Kantian pure reason, utilitarianism as per Peter Singer, and determinism as per Sam Harris as adequate explanations for our ‘moral intuition.’ The Bernie Madoffs of the world are not excused of responsibility, although the degree to which psychopaths with their apparently genetically defective neural wiring should be held responsible for their cruel actions is not made clear. Not addressed here is the enigma of who to hold accountable when anti-Parkinson’s medication apparently causes harmful sexual deviant behaviour. The dire legal and societal implications and results of the deterministic view that there is no such thing a free will are discussed in detail. Although I get confused by the nuanced arguments about free will, I think Churchland’s stance is close to the compatibilism of Daniel Dennett.
I was surprised to see that the well established selfish gene evolutionary doctrine of Richard Dawkins is nowhere invoked as at least a contributing factor in the development of human altruism, given the evidence that altruism does provide some survival advantage, at least for some of our genes, if not for whole organisms.
A great quote: “ Conscience is a brain construct rooted in our neural circuitry, not a theological entity thoughtfully parked in us by a divine being. It is not infallible, even when honestly consulted.”
This book is not for everyone, but is a thoughtful primer for those who like to dabble in moral philosophy and get thoroughly confused.
The Passionate Reader 