Philosophers have been debating the basis of human morality since at least the days of Socrates — but scientists are shining new light on these philosophical questions.
Thanks to modern research, we can see human morality probably evolved as a survival mechanism in our ancient ancestors.
It’s hard to find a scientific issue more maligned and misunderstood than evolution. Many critics condemn evolution because they believe it conflicts with their belief in a higher power. While a literal interpretation of the Bible is irreconcilable with the theory of evolution, it’s also irreconcilable with letting handicapped people worship (Leviticus 21:16-23) or not killing a bratty child (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
A literal interpretation of Genesis, or any other ancient creation myth, requires complete disregard for nearly every scientific theory on the books from plate tectonics to radioactive decay. Fortunately, accepting these basic laws of nature does not exclude the existence of a supreme being.
As scientists look into the past they find more and more evidence for how the universe and life itself could have developed, but most scientists agree there will never be an empirical explanation for how the universe was born. As long as the Bible isn’t taken literally, there is no conflict between scientific theories like evolution and attributing the initial creation of the universe to a supreme being.
Evolution is so widely accepted by scientists because of its ability to explain a wide array of natural phenomenon based on empirical evidence. In fact, some scientists have started investigating a new question through the lens of evolution — the basis of morality.
Our morality is probably a combination of genetics and upbringing, but exactly how important our genes are to our behavior can be quite surprising.
Researchers at the University of Bonn may have discovered a gene responsible for altruism. Subjects were screened for two different variations of the same gene and then given a test. If they passed they received five euros which they could then keep or anonymously donate to any charitable cause. Subjects with the “altruism gene” were twice as likely to donate their prize than those without it.
Humans and other apes have always been highly social creatures. Our basic moral principles are common across all cultures and religions — don’t kill, lie, cheat or steal — and they probably came about through evolution. Troops of apes able to empathize with each other were simply better adapted for survival than their completely selfish counterparts. Principles of cooperation, communication and reciprocity probably evolved as survival mechanisms in social animals.
Modern scientists have seen these adaptations in our closest living relatives — chimpanzees. Nearly every aspect of chimp life — from gathering food to grooming — is improved through cooperation and empathy. If a chimp isn’t able to find enough food for himself, other members of the troop will share their food with him for the good of the group.
Chimps exhibit principles of reciprocity and fairness through mutual grooming. Cleaning their friend’s back is easier than reaching their own, so chimps groom each other with the expectation the other chimp will be moral and return the favor.
Even our hatred of murder makes sense based on evolution. If a chimp kills another chimp the troop has instantly been weakened. Eliminating a potential food gatherer or warrior makes the troop that much more susceptible to starvation or invasion by another clan.
Obviously, chimps can’t explain every facet of our morality. Finding a chimpanzee’s perspective on illegal file sharing or abortion would be difficult to say the least.
With the development of a bigger, better brain, humans have added new wrinkles to this basic “chimp morality,” but we probably owe much of our deep-seeded morality to an ancient survival mechanism primarily concerned with keeping bugs out of our hair.
 
Andrew Shockey is a 20 year-old biological engineering sophomore from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Ashockey.
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Contact Andrew Shockey at [email protected]