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Moral Systems and the Evolution of Human Rights

Part of the SpringerBriefs in Sociology Book Series

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9551-7

ISBN: 978-94-017-9550-0

Publisher: Springer Netherlands - Springer Journals

Oct 28, 2014

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Chapter 1Introduction

Friesen, Bruce K.

Pages: 1 –16

[Drawing upon the growing convergence of scientific knowledge used to create an evidence-based human narrative, this chapter provides an overview of biological and sociocultural evolution. Noted are the different religious systems which correspond to various stages of sociocultural evolution....
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Chapter 2The Moral System

Friesen, Bruce K.

Pages: 17 –26

[A theory of moral systems and moral evolutionary change is presented. Durkheimian concepts are modified so as to divert attention away from religious practices per se and to refocus analysis on the underlying moral system. A cosmology, metaphysic, and moral code are identified as components of a...
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Chapter 3Moral Systems in Traditional Societies

Friesen, Bruce K.

Pages: 27 –39

[In applying the theory of moral systems to traditional societies, this chapter illustrates how moral revolutions have accompanied the major sociocultural shifts from hunting and gathering to horticultural and agrarian societies. The discussion shows how religion developed only as humans began...
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Chapter 4Biological Underpinnings

Friesen, Bruce K.

Pages: 41 –53

[Scientific studies conducted with Great Apes, children and babies, and studies from experimental economics are reviewed in this chapter. The collective results offer compelling evidence of innate predispositions in humans towards sociality, fairness, an aversion to inequity, and the capacity for...
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Chapter 5Secularizing Morality

Friesen, Bruce K.

Pages: 55 –64

[In applying moral systems theory, this chapter illustrates the decoupling of morality from religion in many modern societies. Notions of civil rights were embedded in the constitutions of many modern nation-states, but the second world war and its incumbent Holocaust, combined with the...
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Chapter 6Convergence and Frontiers

Friesen, Bruce K.

Pages: 65 –73

[Because evolution is continuous, this chapter presents two plausible scenarios regarding the future. One scenario envisions the continuing ability of those in power to eviscerate mechanisms that hold them accountable to a moral standard. The second envisions a future where the notion of rights...

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