Wat is menselijk? Wat is wenselijk? Evolutionaire ethiek en het ecologisch humanisme

Abstract

Evolutionaty ethics and ecological humanism. Traditional humanists held an optimist view about human nature and its possibilities. Evolutionary theory does not support this optimism: humans evolved from predator apes with not only a talent for cooperation, but also for cheating and looting. However, as long as human survival and wellbeing depends on cooperation, there is a common good which unites all humans. The only reasonable option is to promote a series of human virtues, like compassion, care and a sense of justice, which may enable us to transcend our predator mentality which is disastrous for our society and our planet.