A Model of Actions and Norms - an integrated evolutionary perspective on normative ethics and human behaviour

Discussions within normative ethics would be facilitated by a classification that treat actions and moral norms within the same functional framework. Based on evolutionary biology, we distinguish five categories of action. Four of these selfishness, kin selection, group egoism, and reciprocity benefit the individual's genetic interest and may be described as "broad self-interest", but not so altruism. Departing from the five categories of action, we have divided moral norms into three broad spheres. A sphere of integrity concerns the individual's right to act in his/her own interest also against those of other individuals. A sphere of reciprocal morality deals with rules for various forms of co-operation. An altruistic sphere has to do with the obligations to generate advantages for others. Ethics can be viewed as a dynamic conflict among various norms within and between these spheres. The classical conflict is that between the integrity and altruistic spheres. However, we argue that the prime antagonism may be that between the altruistic and reciprocal spheres; the main impact of altruistic ideals may not be the reputed one of counteracting egoism, but subversively thwarting reciprocal morality.