Abstract

In this dissertation I take the position that an understanding of psychology, specifically evolutionary psychology and cognitive science, is required to study ethics and morality. A key argument in evolutionary psychology debate is the question of whether or not altruistic behavior is real or apparent. I will trace this debate in some detail. In order to apply these findings to the study of ethics and morality, I will argue that the naturalistic fallacy can be misused, and is not as strong as students in philosophy and the natural sciences are commonly taught. Additionally I will back the computational theory in its application to psychology. This is not unproblematic so I will present a number of arguments in favor of this approach. Lastly I will discuss the use of computational models using Artificial Life agents that work to advance the multilevel selection theory and the evolution of altruistic behavior