P. Churchland, The Impact of Neuroscience on Philosophy, Neuron 2008, vol.60, pp. 409411.

Theses

That in the history of science, speculative philosophy has gradually been replaced by more and more exact pure science.

That moral philosophers have generally felt that the findings of neuroscience are irrelevant to their own deliberations.

The differences in OT (Oxytocin) levels between prairie and montane voles manifest themselves in very different behavioural patterns: the former tend to be monogamous, mate for life and assist in rearing their young. The latter do not.

Also highlights the role of OT (used as a nasal spray) in fostering trust in interpersonal relations.

Uses these findings to posit that attachment, and its cohort, trust, are the anchors of morality; the reward systems tune up behavioral responses.

Gives a far from convincing counter argument to the unique nature of human morality the fact that humans have a long history of conflict and immorality and that universal human rights is only a relatively recent invention and argues that biologically rooted dispositions explain extending social attachment beyond kin and clan.

Finishes with an explanation of the importance of mimicry in building trust and acceptance.

Discussion

Some intriguing scientific findings particularly those involving OT and certainly gives attention to the importance of trust in moral philosophy, something which has often been overlooked.

I feel she perhaps misses the real unique aspect of human morality and actions our ability to stimulate ourselves. By this rather gnomic pronouncement I mean that whereas animals act in response to internal stimuli (e.g. a rush of adrenaline causes them to fight or flee), we are able to perform actions which cause these internal stimuli we decide that we trust someone and this produces heightened OT levels.