What is the 'Morality of Sympathy' and what are its key characteristics?

The 'Morality of Sympathy' is the initial stage of moral development, as described by Michael Tomasello. This stage, observed in our great ape ancestors, is characterized by empathy and a basic understanding of fairness. Apes in this stage could form partnerships and were driven to help kin, showing proto-moral behaviors. However, their morality was limited due to the competition and a lack of shared intentionality.

How did the 'Morality of Fairness' come about in early humans?

The 'Morality of Fairness' emerged in early humans because of obligate collaborative foraging. This shift was vital for the development of skills such as 'Joint Attention' and 'Joint Commitment', which enabled early humans to coordinate hunting and collecting food efficiently. These collaborations were necessary for survival in early human societies.

What distinguishes the 'Morality of Justice' from earlier stages?

The 'Morality of Justice' is unique to modern humans, according to Michael Tomasello. It developed with the rise of culture and large-scale societies. This stage involved the creation of shared social norms and values, extending beyond one-on-one interactions. The development of cultural identities allowed for cooperation with strangers, which is a key factor in today's societies.

What is 'Joint Attention', and why is it significant in Tomasello's framework?

‘Joint Attention’ is the ability to share focus on a common goal or object. It played a crucial role during the 'Morality of Fairness' phase, specifically helping early humans coordinate hunting and gathering. This capability enabled the necessary cooperation for survival, which is central to understanding Tomasello's framework.

Why is understanding the evolution of human morality important?

Michael Tomasello's insights into the evolution of human morality are important because they help us understand how concepts like cooperation, fairness, and justice have evolved. By studying the evolutionary origins of these concepts, we can better understand what makes us human and how to foster more just and cooperative societies in the modern world.

Evolution of Morality: From Apes to Humans

Unlocking Morality: How Humans Evolved Beyond Apes

Beau Callahan in Mind & Education December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A groundbreaking exploration of Michael Tomasello's 'A Natural History of Human Morality' reveals the unique psychological capacities that set humans apart and shape our moral compass."

What does it truly mean to be moral? Is it simply a set of rules, or is there something deeper that distinguishes human morality from the social behaviors observed in other species? In 'A Natural History of Human Morality,' Michael Tomasello offers a compelling exploration of the evolution of human morality, arguing that it's a uniquely human phenomenon shaped by our capacity for cooperation, fairness, and a sense of justice.

Tomasello's work challenges traditional views of morality as merely a set of imposed rules. He posits that our moral psychology evolved through a series of stages, beginning with the 'Morality of Sympathy' shared with our great ape ancestors, progressing to the 'Morality of Fairness' in early humans, and culminating in the 'Morality of Justice' that governs modern human societies. This journey is marked by key psychological capacities that set us apart, enabling unprecedented levels of collaboration and social cohesion.

This article explores Tomasello's insightful framework, providing an accessible overview of his key arguments and demonstrating how human morality transcends simple self-interest. By understanding the evolutionary roots of our moral compass, we can gain a deeper appreciation of what makes us human and how we can foster more just and cooperative societies.

From Apes to Us: The Evolutionary Leap in Morality

Evolution of Morality: From Apes to Humans

Tomasello traces the origins of human morality back to our great ape ancestors, who exhibited a 'Morality of Sympathy' characterized by proto-moral psychological capacities like empathy and a basic understanding of fairness. These apes could form partnerships and were motivated to help kin, displaying early forms of social behavior. However, their morality was limited by competition and a lack of shared intentionality.

The first significant evolutionary leap occurred with early humans, who developed a 'Morality of Fairness.' This transformation was driven by the need for obligate collaborative foraging in Africa. Early humans needed to coordinate to hunt and collect food, paving the way for collaboration skills such as joint attention and joint commitments.

Joint Attention: The ability to share focus on a common goal or object.
Joint Commitment: An understanding to work together toward a shared objective.

The final stage in Tomasello's model is the 'Morality of Justice,' which is unique to modern humans. This morality emerged with the growth of culture and the rise of large-scale societies. As tribes expanded, individuals needed to cooperate with strangers, and the creation of cultural identities helped people to work together. The development of shared social norms and values that went beyond one-on-one interactions paved the way for complex forms of cooperation and the modern sense of justice.

Implications for Today's World

Tomasello's work provides valuable insights into the nature of human morality and the factors that shape our social behavior. By understanding the evolutionary origins of cooperation, fairness, and justice, we can gain a deeper appreciation of what makes us human and how we can create more just and equitable societies.

One of the key takeaways from Tomasello's research is the importance of shared intentionality and collaboration. Creating environments that foster cooperation and shared goals can help to promote moral behavior and reduce conflict.

While Tomasello's work offers a compelling framework for understanding the evolution of human morality, it's important to acknowledge that there are other perspectives on this complex topic. Further research and discussion are needed to fully understand the diverse factors that contribute to our moral compass and how we can use this knowledge to build a better world.