“True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application, unchanging and everlasting; it summons to duty by its commands, and averts from wrongdoing by its prohibitions… We cannot be freed from its obligations by senate or people, and we need not look outside ourselves for an expounder or interpreter of it. And there will not be different laws at Rome and at Athens, or different laws now and in the future, but one eternal and unchangeable law will be valid for all nations and all times, and there will be one master and ruler, that is God, over us all, for he is the author of this law, its promulgator, and its enforcing judge. Whoever is disobedient is fleeing from himself and denying his human nature, and by reason of this very fact he will suffer the worst penalties, even if he escapes what is commonly considered punishment….”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress proudly presents “Human Moral Behavior is a Principle of Nature Discovered by Philosophy and Evolutionary Science: Essays from Antiquity to Modern Times Reedited and Updated” by Dr. Marian Hillar, now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress Bookstore.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill treatise on ethics. Instead, it’s a thoughtful collection of essays that takes you on a ride through centuries of ideas about how we decide what’s right and wrong. Dr. Marian Hillar artfully arranges these essays to show how our understanding of moral behavior has evolved—from early customs and natural law to the latest insights from modern science. If you’ve ever wondered why we feel compelled to act in certain ways, this book offers a deep dive into the roots of our moral instincts.
“Human Moral Behavior is a Principle of Nature Discovered by Philosophy and Evolutionary Science” covers a lot of ground in a way that’s both scholarly and accessible. The book starts by introducing the big picture: how moral philosophy and modern evolutionary science intersect to explain our moral capacities. Hillar shows us that our moral instincts aren’t just handed down by tradition; they’re woven into the fabric of life itself.
From there, the book is divided into several key sections:
- Virtue Ethics of a Sage:
This part explores ancient thought, from the Stoic view of rationality and responsibility to the ethical teachings of figures like Philo of Alexandria. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the ideas that have shaped moral thinking for millennia. - Christian Ethics and Its Critique:
Hillar doesn’t shy away from the big questions. He walks us through how Thomas Aquinas justified morals in a Christian context and then steps back to examine Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of those very ideas. It’s a smart, balanced look at both sides of the debate. - Discursive Ethics:
Have you ever wondered how modern thinkers bridge the gap between abstract philosophy and everyday life? The book examines Jürgen Habermas’s approach, which merges practical sense with Kantian ideas, making the lofty principles of ethics seem a bit more down-to-earth. - Ethics and Evolution:
One of the most fascinating sections examines how modern science—think Darwin and beyond—confirms that our moral behavior has evolutionary roots. It’s a revelation that shows our drive to cooperate and behave ethically isn’t just a human invention but a principle of nature. - Humanist Ethics and Practical Issues:
Finally, Hillar tackles some of the trickier, real-world questions. Can there be a universal ethics? How do we approach heated topics like abortion or social justice from a moral standpoint? The essays in this section bring theory into the realm of everyday decisions, making the complex accessible and engaging.
What makes “Human Moral Behavior is a Principle of Nature Discovered by Philosophy and Evolutionary Science” really stand out is how it combines rigorous academic insight with a conversational style. Hillar invites you to explore age-old questions without getting lost in dense jargon. Instead, he lays out ideas in a way that feels like you’re chatting with a friend who’s genuinely curious about life. Whether you’re a philosophy buff or simply someone who’s ever paused to ask, “Why do we do the things we do?” this book has plenty to offer.
The text doesn’t just summarize established theories, it challenges you to think critically. Hillar connects the dots between ancient moral codes, like those found in early societies and the writings of Plato and Cicero, and modern neuroscience that explains how our brains develop the capacity for moral reasoning. It’s a bold blend of history, philosophy, and science that will make you see the world—and your own choices—in a new light.
If you’ve ever been curious about the roots of your own moral beliefs or wondered how our sense of right and wrong came to be, “Human Moral Behavior is a Principle of Nature Discovered by Philosophy and Evolutionary Science” is a must-read. It’s perfect for students of philosophy, professionals in the social sciences, or anyone who enjoys a good intellectual challenge. And if you’re the kind of person who loves connecting extensive ideas to everyday experiences, you’ll appreciate the way Hillar makes complex theories feel relatable.
So, if you’re ready to explore the natural origins of our moral compass and get a fresh perspective on what it means to live a good, ethical life, grab a copy of “Human Moral Behavior is a Principle of Nature Discovered by Philosophy and Evolutionary Science” by Dr. Marian Hillar. It’s a journey through the ages that promises to leave you thinking—and maybe even inspire a change in the way you see yourself and the world around you.
Dive in and discover how the principles of nature, philosophy, and science come together to shape our most essential human traits.
“Human Moral Behavior is a Principle of Nature Discovered by Philosophy and Evolutionary Science: Essays from Antiquity to Modern Times Reedited and Updated” by Dr. Marian Hillar is now available for purchase via the ARPress Bookstore.