Moral Origins: The Evolution of Virtue, Altruism, and Shame
Moral Origins: The Evolution of Virtue, Altruism, and Shame explores Christopher Boehm’s account of how social cooperation and group control shaped human morality. It traces altruism, conscience, virtue, and shame through an evolutionary and anthropological lens.
At a glance
- Presents a theory linking human morality to the pressures of living and cooperating in groups.
- Connects evolutionary anthropology with altruism, social enforcement, conscience, virtue, and shame.
- The listing gives a 432-page length and identifies this as the first edition.
Reference price: $47.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The subject spans evolutionary explanations of both cooperation and moral restraint, offering a focused theme for readers interested in human behavior.
- Anthropological framing makes the book relevant to readers exploring how group life may have shaped moral norms.
Cons
- At 432 pages, this is a substantial read rather than a brief introduction.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | Basic Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 1, 2012 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 432 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0465020488 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0465020485 |
| Weight listed | 1.8 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.55 x 1.5 x 9.55 inches |
| Reading age | 13 years and up |
|---|---|
| Grade level | 11 and up |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in evolutionary anthropology, human cooperation, and the development of moral ideas.
- Students or general readers looking for a sustained argument about altruism, conscience, virtue, and shame.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short overview or a primarily practical guide to ethics.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
52% 52% - 4 stars
18% 18% - 3 stars
19% 19% - 2 stars
6% 6% - 1 star
5% 5%
Customer feedback describes the book as insightful and informative, with readers noting its distinctive perspective on the origins of human morals and its anthropological research. Writing quality receives mixed reactions, including criticism that it is not well written. For readers considering this 432-page argument, the subject matter appears to be a draw, while prose style may affect how engaging the long read feels.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as insightful and informative.
- Feedback highlights the distinctive perspective on moral origins and the anthropological research.
Negative themes
- Some customer feedback says the writing is not well written.
Mixed feedback
- Reactions to the content and writing quality are mixed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Moral Origins about?
It presents Christopher Boehm’s evolutionary account of how group living and social control may have shaped altruism, conscience, virtue, and shame.
How long is the book?
The listing specifies 432 pages.
What edition and publication date are listed?
The listing identifies the edition as 1st and gives a publication date of May 1, 2012.
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