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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 Open the ORCID record for Jeremy I. M. Carpendale [Opens in a new window]  and
Charlie Lewis Open the ORCID record for Charlie Lewis [Opens in a new window]
Jeremy I. M. Carpendale
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A [email protected]://www.sfu.ca/psychology/about/people/profiles/jcarpend.html
Charlie Lewis
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Lancaster University, Fylde College, Lancaster, LA1 4YWUnited Kingdom. [email protected]://www.lancaster.ac.uk/people-profiles/charlie-lewis
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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
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 43 , 2020 , e64
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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