The Roots of Equality: Anthropological and Normative Sources

For centuries, thinkers have grappled with the mystery of how humans first formulated the notion of equality. The species is quite territorial and, according to history, has demonstrated a violent streak. How could such a creature have developed the peaceful impulse to ensure everyone gets their fair share?

Some have surmised that equality was a last-gasp measure: the guarantee of peace to avert self-annihilation. However, a closer examination of the phenomenon across the existence of Homo s...