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Intelligence Squared

A History of Good and Evil, with Hanno Sauer

Sep 23, 2024
Hanno Sauer, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Utrecht University and author of "The Invention of Good and Evil: A World History of Morality," teams up with Sophie Scott-Brown to unravel the complexities of morality. They discuss how moral frameworks evolve with society and challenge traditional notions of right and wrong. The conversation dives into social progress, the impact of colonial attitudes on morality, and the importance of diverse ethical systems. Sauer advocates for more inclusive participation in defining our moral landscape.
56:46

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Morality evolves with societal changes, balancing cooperation among individuals while adapting to complexities of human relationships.
  • Philosophers throughout history, alongside biological and cultural evolution, shape our understanding of morality, influencing future ethical frameworks.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Morality as a Social Construct

Human beings are fundamentally social creatures, relying heavily on relationships to navigate their existence. Morality serves to codify these social interactions, guiding behaviors that promote cooperation and understanding among individuals. As societies evolve, their moral frameworks also adapt, addressing new social dilemmas that arise from increased complexity in human relationships. This ongoing process illustrates the dynamic interplay between morality and human social organization, highlighting how our ethical constructs are embedded in our historical and cultural contexts.

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