The Science of Good and Evil

Why People Cheat, Gossip, Care, Share, and Follow the Golden Rule

By: Michael Shermer

In The Science of Good and Evil, psychologist and science historian Michael Shermer explores how humans evolved from social primates into moral primates, how and why morality motivates the human animal, and how the foundation of moral principles can be built upon empirical evidence. Along the way he explains the implications of scientific findings for fate and free will, the existence of pure good and pure evil, and the development of early moral sentiments among the first humans. As he closes the divide between science and morality, Shermer draws on stories from the Yanamamö, infamously known as the "fierce people" of the tropical rain forest, to the Stanford studies on jailers' behavior in prisons. The Science of Good and Evil is ultimately a profound look at the moral animal, belief, and the scientific pursuit of truth.©2004 Michael Shermer (P)2008 Michael Shermer

Read by author

I believe books read by the author give more insight to the meaning. Especially so regarding philosophy.
Thank you Michael.

good albeit tunnel visioned around specific theme

the book is within the usual and typical narrative around the role of religious institutions/heritage in human discourse. probably my expectations was of more science and less critique of the former.. though found the bits covering the latter far intriguing and thought provoking

Everything about this book is out of whack.

Not impressed, tried so hard to separate what can't be separated it was distracting. Waste of time and money