SKU: 39609015872

Braintrust: What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality

Sale price$13.73 Regular price$15.26
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $3.81 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 7 - Aug 12

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Braintrust: What Neuroscience Tells Us about MoralityWhat is morality? Where does it come from? And why do most of us heed its call most of the time? In Braintrust, neurophilosophy pioneer Patricia Churchland argues that morality originates in the biology of the brain. She describes the neurobiological platform of bonding that, modified by evolutionary pressures and cultural values, has led to human styles of moral behavior. The result is a provocative genealogy of morals that asks us to reevaluate the

What is morality? Where does it come from? And why do most of us heed its call most of the time? In Braintrust, neurophilosophy pioneer Patricia Churchland argues that morality originates in the biology of the brain. She describes the neurobiological platform of bonding that, modified by evolutionary pressures and cultural values, has led to human styles of moral behavior. The result is a provocative genealogy of morals that asks us to reevaluate the priority given to religion, absolute rules, and pure reason in accounting for the basis of morality.

Moral values, Churchland argues, are rooted in a behavior common to all mammals--the caring for offspring. The evolved structure, processes, and chemistry of the brain incline humans to strive not only for self-preservation but for the well-being of allied selves--first offspring, then mates, kin, and so on, in wider and wider caring circles. Separation and exclusion cause pain, and the company of loved ones causes pleasure; responding to feelings of social pain and pleasure, brains adjust their circuitry to local customs. In this way, caring is apportioned, conscience molded, and moral intuitions instilled. A key part of the story is oxytocin, an ancient body-and-brain molecule that, by decreasing the stress response, allows humans to develop the trust in one another necessary for the development of close-knit ties, social institutions, and morality.

A major new account of what really makes us moral, Braintrust challenges us to reconsider the origins of some of our most cherished values.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 05/22/2018
ISBN: 9780691180977
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.40w x 1.00d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 39609015872

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 18 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
Jason
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Looks nice, easy to install
Color: Rustic Brown, Number Of Shelves: 2, Size: 22in
This shelf is lightweight, looks nice, and was easy to install. It comes with a little level to help you install it properly. There are plenty of mounting holes to choose from, so it is easy to screw it directly into a stud, or to just use holes that are convenient for you. It comes with a plethora of mounting hardware. I mounted mine a bit high up and chose to mount it upside down so that I wouldn't see the three screws that hold the shelf to the mounting bracket.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shelf
Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 31.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 31.5 Inch
For someone who has ZERO counter space and a ton of empty wall space, this is PERFECT! The install was easier then expected (if I installed it right because I’m just a girl) but very eye appealing, great for storage and decoration, great deal for the price!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Christina Noble
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Looks great in my window
Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 31.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 31.5 Inch
Fits pretty well, had to slightly put it in an angle for it to fit on the frame of the window, overall easy to put together and looks great
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tiffany
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Wall shelf
Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 31.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 31.5 Inch
Nice shelf. Easy to assemble.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Johnny C
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice and sturdy
Very easy to assemble and sturdy. Exactly what we were looking for. The only complaint is that the anchors that came with it did not work properly, we used our own.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2025

recommand products