In the past fifteen years, there has been a virtual explosion of anthropological literature arguing that morality should be considered central to human practice. Out of this explosion new and invigorating conversations have emerged between anthropologists and philosophers. Moral Engines: Exploring the Ethical Drives in Human Life includes essays from some of the foremost voices in the anthropology of morality, offering unique interdisciplinary conversations between anthropologists and philosophers about the moral engines of ethical life, addressing the question: What propels humans to act in light of ethical ideals?

“All the chapters show, in their own way, that philosophical anthropology offers a very sophisticated approach to understand how humans live… The dialogue between anthropology and philosophy that underlies this volume has clearly enriched the understanding of ethical drives in human life.” • History of the Human Sciences

“Overall the text offers an insightful interdisciplinary discussion on the topics of morality and ethics, albeit a conflicted title and theme as is made evident by many of the authors’ concerns with the idea and term ‘moral engines’ throughout the volume. A fascinating read for those interested in the in the field regardless of what side of the fence one sits.” • Irish Journal of Anthropology

“This is an excellent collection of essays that contributes to the growing anthropological literature on morality and ethics. It addresses the current debates in a new and useful way.” • Johan Rasanayagam, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen

“This stimulating volume suggests a new metaphor to reshape this central question to moral theory within an anthropological perspective.” • Samuel Leze, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon

Cheryl Mattingly is Professor of Anthropology at University of Southern California. She is a 2017 Guggenheim Fellow and has received numerous awards from the American Anthropological Association, including the Victor Turner Prize, the Stirling Prize and the New Millennium Prize. Her most recent book is Moral Laboratories: Family Peril and the Struggle for a Good Life (University of California Press 2014).