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From partner choice to equity – and beyond?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2013

Felix Warneken
Felix Warneken*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138. [email protected]://software.rc.fas.harvard.edu/lds/research/warneken/warneken
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Abstract

Baumard et al. provide an intriguing model where morality emerges from the dynamics of partner choice in mutualistic interactions. I discuss evidence from human and nonhuman primates that supports the overall approach, but highlights a gap in explaining the human specificity of moral cognition. I suggest that an essential characteristic of human fairness is to override concerns about merit in favor of promoting the welfare in others who are needy.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 36 , Issue 1 , February 2013 , pp. 102
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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