Theocracy and the Evolution of Morals

Donald Wittman

Chapter 7 in The Political Economy of Theocracy, 2009, pp 167-179 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract This chapter considers the evolution of moral sentiments in humans, the role of religion in satisfying these pro-social emotions, and the conflicts that arise when religions gain secular power. The structure of the chapter is as follows: We first observe that the starkest version of Homo Economicus does not adequately explain human behavior. We then ask why evolution might lead to humans having pro-social emotions and a desire to act “morally.”1 Having laid the groundwork regarding individual motivation, we then ask how religions and other cultural institutions respond to this need. Finally, we explain why, despite religions being pervasive and religious leaders having great influence over spiritual matters, theocracies are relatively rare.

Keywords: Political Power; Rational Calculation; Moral Belief; Religious Leader; Emotional Attachment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-62006-3_8

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DOI: 10.1057/9780230620063_8

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