### Humans, Freedom, and Morality `Author:` `Availability:` > [!info] > ## Summary A book by British philosopher Mary Midgley, first published in 1994. In this work, Midgley examines the relationship between human nature, freedom, and morality, arguing against reductive scientific ideologies that separate mind and body. While the book does not explicitly delineate a distinction between ‘morals’ and ‘ethics’ as separate concepts, Midgley explores the origins and nature of human morality. She contends that morality arises from natural conflicts of motive and emphasizes that humans, due to their evolutionary origin, possess a unique awareness of individuality and moral agency. Midgley argues that our evolutionary background explains both why and how human freedom and morality have developed. She suggests that human morality is a response to natural conflicts of motive, highlighting our capacity to recognize and arbitrate these inner conflicts as part of our natural inheritance. In summary, while The Ethical Primate does not provide a direct distinction between ‘morals’ and ‘ethics,’ it offers an in-depth analysis of the natural origins of human morality and freedom, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our biological heritage and moral capacities. ## Key Takeaways ## Quotes - ## Notes `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Books index]]