The Trolley Problem

Researchers have attempted to learn more about the ethical choices we make, updating the classic "Trolley Problem" by adding a virtual element to make it more "real." The findings? Pretty much what you'd expect: "Evolution has hardened us into brutal and selfish creatures. We make split-second calculations that result in murder — unless a family member is at stake."

Read the article here.

Thanks to C2C Michael Sortino for forwarding.

What's Wrong with Torture?

If you missed the Reich Lecture last evening, here's a link to Dr. David Sussman's article, "What's Wrong with Torture?" Dr. Sussman's talk was based on this article.

Science & Religion on Morality

Just in time for our section on religion and ethics, the NYT has published a review on Sam Harris' new book, How Science Can Determine Human Values. The review takes issue with Harris' position, that science can uncover the source of human morality, but along the way it provides a fair mapping of what's at stake in the larger debate, as well as tying in strands from realism, relativism, and utilitarian theory.