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From mutualism to moral transcendence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2013

Scott Atran
Scott Atran*
Affiliation:
UMR 8129, CNRS/Institut Jean Nicod – Ecole Normale Supérieure, 75005 Paris, France. Satran@umich.eduhttp://sitemaker.umich.edu/satran/home
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Abstract

Baumard et al. attribute morality to a naturally selected propensity to share costs and benefits of cooperation fairly. But how does mundane mutualism relate to transcendent notions of morality critical to creating cultures and civilizations? Humans often make their greatest exertions for an idea they form of their group. Primary social identity is bounded by sacred values, which drive individuals to promote their group through non-rational commitment to actions independently of likely risks and rewards.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 36 , Issue 1 , February 2013 , pp. 81 - 82
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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