Željko Šarić

Problem zla i dobra kroz prizmu teorije evolucije: uvidi Deneta i Dokinsa

Ovo izlaganje istražuje problem zla i njegovu suprotnost — moralno dobro — u okviru teorije evolucije, oslanjajući se posebno na perspektive Danijela Deneta i Ričarda Dokinsa. Tradicionalni filozofski i teološki pristupi definišu zlo kao moralni neuspjeh ili izazov božanskoj pravdi, dok ga teorija evolucije preoblikuje u posljedicu prirodne selekcije i genetske konkurencije. Dokinsov koncept „sebičnog gena“ sugeriše da su ponašanja koja označavamo kao „zla“, poput agresije i eksploatacije, evolutivne strategije za širenje gena, dok se altruizam i saradnja razvijaju kroz selekciju unutar roda i recipročni altruizam. Denet proširuje ovu analizu posmatrajući moralnost kao emergentnu osobinu kulturne evolucije, oblikovanu širenjem uspješnih „memova“—samoreplicirajućih jedinica kulturne transmisije. Iz ove perspektive, ono što doživljavamo kao moralni napredak rezultat je selektivnih pritisaka koji favorizuju saradnju i prosocijalna ponašanja. Integracijom ovih evolutivnih koncepata, ova prezentacija će istražiti kako „zlo“ i „dobro“ nisu metafizičke apsolutne kategorije, već adaptivne strategije oblikovane genetskom i kulturnom evolucijom. Na taj način, izazvaće tradicionalne moralne okvire i ponuditi naučno utemeljeno razumijevanje porijekla ljudske moralnosti.

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The Problem of Evil and Goodness

Through the Lens of Evolutionary Theory: Insights from Dennett and Dawkins

This presentation examines the problem of evil and its opposite—moral goodness—through the framework of evolutionary theory, particularly drawing on the perspectives of Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins. Traditional philosophical and theological approaches define evil as a moral failing or a challenge to divine justice, while evolutionary theory reframes it as a consequence of natural selection and genetic competition. Dawkins’ concept of the "selfish gene" suggests that behaviors we label as "evil," such as aggression and exploitation, are evolutionary strategies for gene propagation, while altruism and cooperation emerge through kin selection and reciprocal altruism. Dennett extends this analysis by viewing morality as an emergent property of cultural evolution, shaped by the spread of successful "memes"—self-replicating units of cultural transmission. From this perspective, what we perceive as moral progress is the result of selective pressures favoring cooperative and prosocial behaviors. By integrating these evolutionary concepts, this presentation will explore how "evil" and "good" are not metaphysical absolutes but adaptive strategies shaped by genetic and cultural evolution. In doing so, it will challenge traditional moral frameworks and offer a scientifically grounded understanding of the origins of human morality.

 

Tri pitanja:

1. Ako su moralna dobrota i zlo oblikovani evolutivnim pritiscima, da li to znači da je moral isključivo proizvod biologije, ili još uvijek postoji prostor za slobodnu volju i etičku odgovornost u ljudskom ponašanju?

 

2. Denet i Dokins sugerišu da su altruizam i saradnja evoluirali kao adaptivne strategije. Da li se isto može reći za destruktivna ponašanja poput rata i obmane? Ako je tako, da li to dovodi u pitanje naša tradicionalna moralna shvatanja o dobru i zlu?

 

3. Ako moralnost evoluira kroz kulturne „meme“ kako tvrdi Denet, da li to znači da su moralne vrijednosti relativne i stalno se mijenjaju, ili postoje univerzalni etički principi koji opstaju uprkos kulturnoj evoluciji?

 

Three Questions:

1. If moral goodness and evil are shaped by evolutionary pressures, does this mean that morality is purely a product of biology, or is there still room for free will and ethical responsibility in human behavior?

 

2. Dennett and Dawkins suggest that altruism and cooperation evolved as adaptive strategies. Could the same be said for destructive behaviors such as war and deception? If so, does this challenge our traditional moral judgments about good and evil?

 

3. If morality evolves through cultural "memes" as Dennett suggests, does this mean that moral values are relative and constantly changing, or are there universal ethical principles that persist despite cultural evolution?

 

Links / Linkovi:

Evil, Evolution, and Ultimate Meaning | Ultimate Reality and Meaning

Amazon.com: Animal Suffering and the Darwinian Problem of Evil: 9781108487603: Schneider, John R.: Books

Richard Dawkins - ILUZIJA O BOGU : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Daniel Dennett: Darwinova opasna ideja – In Tri

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