The Science of Good and Evil: Why People Cheat, Gossip, Care, Share, and Follow the Golden Rule (Abridged) Audiobook

" Covers much of the same territory as Moral Minds and The Problem Of The Soul, but in a more accessible manner. "

" I read this book when I was on tour with a true mental case. It was so eye opening and interesting that I have bought many copies as gifts to good friends so they can understand WHY most people are assholes. "

" Shermer does an excellent job of evaluating the evolutionary origins of morality, exhibiting strong command of the minutia within evolutionary theory, specifically as it relates to group selection, alrtuism and the natural-cultural shift over the last ten thousand years. While he is strong in the scientific fields, his raw philosophy needs fleshing out. Without sufficient rationale he attempts to overlay these evolutionary truths into a prescriptive model for morality, making a valiant effort in doing so, but without fulfilling his goal. "

" Science and moral reasoning in one very readable volume, whats not to like? "

" Sounded very promising. I was hoping for something that explores both the biochemical/physiological causes of "evil" actions, as well as maybe some sociological perspectives based on interviews with adulterers, petty thieves, etc. Not so much. Basically the author just rambles on about his belief that morality isn't absolute, but that the provisional theory of morality holds that most things that are moral are moral in most situations. A few tidbits here and there were kind of interesting, but overall not really what I was looking for. "

" As it turns out, this fits nicely with my newfound knowledge of Buddhism. "

" Fucking finally, someone who has the same views on life as I do. Fuck yea! "

" I found this book really interesting and thought provoking. Shermer really makes the reader analyze things in ways they probably never would have. "

" An evolutionary look at morality. Somewhat of a tough read at times, but well worth the effort. "

" This was a pretty good read, although the ideas didn't seem to novel. But, it was good. "

" Lots of thought provocation here... And to be reading in the wake of the Newtown, CT shooting as well... Mr. Shermer argues for the rational, evolutionary underpinnings behind our social interactions and moral points of view. "

" An excellent book outlining the evolutionary and social motivations for people to behave well. Very convincing arguments that our sense of right and wrong arises not only from religion, but from our own social history and ability to reason. "

" This was a fascinating read. It really probes the history and concepts behind morality using true reasoning and a scientific approach. Hightly recommended! "

" Worth it if only to read Ayn Rand's philosophy referred to as "[n]onsense on stilts." "

" The last half focuses a good deal on the concepts of provisional morality and "fuzzy logic"; useful concepts when unpacked but perhaps badly named... "

" So happy to read Michael Shermer! "

" Interesting in parts but Shermer has too much of a tendency to stray into a Randian/Libertarian world view, and allow this to affect what he considers valid rather than just consider things entirely on their merits "

" Very interesting perspectives and ideas, an engrossing read. "