Created from Animals: The Moral Implications of Darwinism (Oxford Paperbacks)

by JamesRachels (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1991

  $3.27

  Since the Origin of Species was first published, Darwinism has been attacked for undermining traditional morality. In particular, because it emphasizes the kinship between humans and other animals, Darwinism seems incompatible with the traditional idea of human dignity - that human life has a special value, while other animals may be sacrificed for any purpose that humans choose. This book argues that Darwinism does undermine the traditional idea of human dignity; however, this is not a reason for rejecting Darwin's outlook. Instead, it is a reason for rejecting human dignity and replacing it with a better moral view, a more enlightened ethic regarding both the value of human life and our treatment of nonhuman animals. This important book, presenting Darwin's scientific and non-scientific views as one united theory, will stimulate all those interested in evolution, morality, religion, and animal rights to re-examine their views.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1990

  $4.76

  Created from Animals is an account of the relevance of Darwinism to ethics. It explains the development of Darwin's ideas and the essential evidence and arguments for the theory of evolution by natural selection, and how this can paradoxically foster altruistic, rather than egotistic, tendencies. The implications of this for conventional religion and ethics are fully set out, with Rachels arguing for a revised morality which does not centre on the idea that human beings are special. He proposes an outlook which includes concern for animals, but which acknowledges that in special circumstances the evidence of evolution justifies giving priority to one form of life over another.

• New

  Paperback
  1991

  $30.58

  Since the Origin of Species was first published, Darwinism has been attacked for undermining traditional morality. In particular, because it emphasizes the kinship between humans and other animals, Darwinism seems incompatible with the traditional idea of human dignity - that human life has a special value, while other animals may be sacrificed for any purpose that humans choose. This book argues that Darwinism does undermine the traditional idea of human dignity; however, this is not a reason for rejecting Darwin's outlook. Instead, it is a reason for rejecting human dignity and replacing it with a better moral view, a more enlightened ethic regarding both the value of human life and our treatment of nonhuman animals. This important book, presenting Darwin's scientific and non-scientific views as one united theory, will stimulate all those interested in evolution, morality, religion, and animal rights to re-examine their views.