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In evolutionary terms, intense social cooperation by primeval humans required "biological morals" (altruism) for improved survival.
Darwin agrees with those statements of Jesus:
"It must not be forgotten that although a high standard of morality gives but a slight or no advantage to each individual man and his children over other men of th…
In evolutionary terms, intense social cooperation by primeval humans required "biological morals" (altruism) for improved survival.
Darwin agrees with those statements of Jesus:
"It must not be forgotten that although a high standard of morality gives but a slight or no advantage to each individual man and his children over other men of the same tribe, yet that an increase in the number of well-endowed men and an advancement in the standard of morality will certainly give an immense advantage to one tribe over another. A tribe including many members who, from possessing in a high degree the spirit of patriotism, fidelity, obedience, courage, and sympathy, were always ready to aid one another, and to sacrifice themselves for the common good, would be victorious over most other tribes, and this would be natural selection (178-179)."
(Darwin quoted by Peter Richerson, PhD biology, UC Davis)
This is a very good point, and one I think is still applicable even at today's very large scale societies. The problem is that overall societal good, per se, does not seem to be a sufficient motivation for individual humans, if not backed up with a belief that the society is supernaturally ordained.
"Supernaturally ordained" meaning fear of punishment?
I think most people act based on what they feel is right. I see it all the time in the actions of everyday people.