Norm Externalisation and the Evolution of Cooperation

Abstract: In a recent article, Kyle Stanford gives an account of what he terms “externalisation”, understood as our tendency to objectify or externalise moral demands and obligations. According to Stanford, externalisation is a distinctive feature of our moral psychology which is adaptive since it enables and preserves cooperation. I claim that the main issue with this account is that it assumes an overly psychological and individualist, inward-to-outward looking perspective. I advocate taking an alternative perspective that turns the spotlight to social practices and the social reality they create. I show how, seen in this light, norm externalisation becomes a side-effect instead of an adaptation deserving of a special explanation.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Norm Externalisation and the Evolution of Cooperation ; volume:37 ; number:1 ; year:2023 ; pages:19-33 ; extent:15 ; Kriterion ; 37, Heft 1 (2023), 19-33 (gesamt 15)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Valković, Martina

Further information

• DOI: 10.1515/krt-2022-0022
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023033114060134438345
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:51 AM CEST