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Tomasello's tin man of moral obligation needs a heart

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 April 2020

Jeremy I. M. Carpendale
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6Canadajcarpend@sfu.cahttps://www.sfu.ca/psychology/about/people/profiles/jcarpend.html
Charlie Lewis
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Lancaster University, Fylde College, Lancaster, LA1 4YWUnited Kingdom. c.lewis@lancaster.ac.ukhttps://www.lancaster.ac.uk/people-profiles/charlie-lewis

Abstract

In place of Tomasello's explanation for the source of moral obligation, we suggest that it develops from the concern for others already implicit in the human developmental system. Mutual affection and caring make the development of communication and thinking possible. Humans develop as persons within such relationships and this develops into respect and moral obligation.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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