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Description
Moral Origins: The Evolution of Virtue, Altruism, and ShameFrom the age of Darwin to the present day, biologists have been grappling with the origins of our moral sense. Why, if the human instinct to survive and reproduce is "selfish," do people engage in self sacrifice, and even develop ideas like virtue and shame to justify that altruism? Many theories have been put forth, some emphasizing the role of nepotism, others emphasizing the advantages of reciprocation or group selection effects. But evolutionary
From the age of Darwin to the present day, biologists have been grappling with the origins of our moral sense. Why, if the human instinct to survive and reproduce is "selfish," do people engage in self-sacrifice, and even develop ideas like virtue and shame to justify that altruism? Many theories have been put forth, some emphasizing the role of nepotism, others emphasizing the advantages of reciprocation or group selection effects. But evolutionary anthropologist Christopher Boehm finds existing explanations lacking, and in Moral Origins, he offers an elegant new theory. Tracing the development of altruism and group social control over 6 million years, Boehm argues that our moral sense is a sophisticated defense mechanism that enables individuals to survive and thrive in groups. One of the biggest risks of group living is the possibility of being punished for our misdeeds by those around us. Bullies, thieves, free-riders, and especially psychopaths -- those who make it difficult for others to go about their lives -- are the most likely to suffer this fate. Getting by requires getting along, and this social type of selection, Boehm shows, singles out altruists for survival. This selection pressure has been unique in shaping human nature, and it bred the first stirrings of conscience in the human species. Ultimately, it led to the fully developed sense of virtue and shame that we know today.A groundbreaking exploration of the evolution of human generosity and cooperation, Moral Origins offers profound insight into humanity's moral past -- and how it might shape our moral future.Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Basic Books
Published: 05/01/2012
ISBN: 9780465020485
Pages: 432
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 1.40d
Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 02/20/2012 pg. 156
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2012
Booklist 04/15/2012 pg. 4
Library Journal 05/01/2012 pg. 89
Choice 10/01/2012
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4.2 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Great quality and perfect for home workouts!
Style: Rack with 3 Pairs (3, 5, and 8 Pound)
I’m really happy with this dumbbell set. The weights are clearly labeled (3 lb, 5 lb, and 8 lb), which makes it super convenient to switch between exercises. The neoprene coating feels comfortable in hand and provides a good grip, even during longer workouts.
The storage stand is a big plus—it keeps everything organized and saves space, which is perfect for a small home gym. The colors are also nice and make it easy to quickly grab the weight you need.
Overall, this is a great set for beginners or anyone looking to add light strength training to their routine. Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5
I’m A PT AND USING THEM IN MY CLINIC. PLS READ HONEST AND THOROUGH REVIEW.
Style: 15 Pound, Pair
I have been a PHYSICAL THERAPIST FOR 30 YEARS and I BOUGHT THESE FOR MY CLINIC. THESE WEIGHTS ARE COVERED IN A GRIPPING MATERIAL, NEOPRENE, MAKING IT COMFORTABLE and EASIER TO USE, ALLOWS YOU TO NOT LOSE YOUR GRIP, and IT IMPROVES THE SAFETY OF THE USER. I WILL BE BUYING THE 12&20 lb sets! THE VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY IS WONDERFUL!! AMAZON BASICS REALLY CAME THROUGH. It DID NOT INCLUDE AN INSTRUCTION GUIDE TO USE WEIGHTS SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY. STELLAR FORM IS ALWAYS ESSENTIAL.
MY WEIGHTS WENT UP TO 10 POUNDS, SO I DEFINITELY NEEDED ADDITIONAL WEIGHTS for those who can SAFELY TRANSITION . I MAINLY WORK AS A MANUAL THERAPIST …USING ONLY MY HANDS, AND MY BRAIN. TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT ACCORDINGLY.
(**ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN TO PT KNOWS THIS KIND OF ONE ON ONE TREATMENT IS UNHEARD OF**)
I IMPLEMENTED MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, TRIGGER POINT THERAPY, DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, AND APPROPRIATE STRETCHING AND EXERCISE . ONCE PATIENTS WERE ABLE, I INITIATED THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE. I WAS GETTING SO MANY REFERRALS THAT I MOVED FROM MY SMALL SPACE AND GOT A LARGER SPACE THAT LOOKS LIKE A TYPICAL PT CLINIC. I STILL EMPLOY ONE ON ONE TREATMENT, NO JUGGLING SEVERAL PATIENTS IN AN HOUR. I HAVE HIRED HELP TO ASSIST PATIENTS WITH EXERCISE AND STRETCHING. I PURCHASED TWO ADDITIONAL SETS ITHE SET IT I DID TO FIRST CHECK THEM OUT. I ADORE THESE AND HAVE SINCE ORDERED OTHER SETS. I LOVE TO WORKOUT AND I NEEDED TO USE THESE WEIGHTS MYSELF!! THERE ARE ALSO PATIENTS OF MINE WHO WILL PROGRESS TO THESE AS WELL. I AM SUPER IMPRESSED WITH THESE WEIGHTS AND CANNOT WAIT TO RECEIVE MY TWO OTHER SETS!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
EVEN IF YOU SWEAT, YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO HOLD ONTO THESE WEIGHTS COMFORTABLY AND SAFELY. SAFETY IS KEY, ALWAYS. I WAS EXTREMELY DELIGHTED THAT THEY ARE SOLD AS A SET BECAUSE MANY ARE SOLD SEPARATELY. THEY FIT PROPERLY ON A UNIVERSAL WEIGHT STAND, SO THEY ARE VERY EASY TO STORE. I CANT WAIT TO GET MY OTHER SETS! IT IS REALLY SAFE AND COMFORTABLE TO USE THESE WEIGHTS.
THEY DID NOT GIVE OFF AN ODD ODOR, which is A HUGE PLUS because SOME OTHER BRANDS SMELL HEAVILY OF PLASTIC OR A CHEMICAL TYPE ODOR. THERE WAS NO ODOR AT ALL. THIS IS A HUGE PLUS. I AM COMFORTABLE SAYING THAT THESE WEIGHTS WILL LAST A LONG TIME BECAUSE OF HOW WELL THEY ARE MADE. YOU CANNOT BEAT THE PRICE EITHER!!
THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY APPROPRIATE FOR PROFESSIONAL USE, AND, THEY ARE MEANT FOR PERSONAL USE AS WELL. SOMETIMES YOU JUST CANNOT GET TO THE GYM SO THIS IS WHERE THEY ARE KEY. HAND WEIGHTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO EXERCISE EACH MUSCLE OF THE TORSO AND ARMS. THERE ARE SOME EXCELLENT WEIGHT CHARTS OUT THERE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THAT. IF YOU ARE GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY, THEN YOUR THERAPIST CAN INSTRUCT YOU AND KEEP YOU IN GOOD FORM. YOU COULD POSSIBLY HURT YOURSELF IF YOU WORKOUT INCORRECTLY. AS FAR AS THE LOWER EXTREMITIES, YOU CAN DO GROSS MOTOR EXERCISES BY HOLDING THESE WEIGHTS TO GET YOUR LEG MUSCLES BY DOING SQUATS, WALKING LUNGES, TOE RAISES, AND MORE. I DONT BELIEVE THAT MANY PEOPLE REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH YOU CAN DO FULL BODY EXERCISES WITH JUST TWO HAND WEIGHTS.
IN CONCLUSION , THESE ARE EXCELLENT WEIGHTS THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND TO MY PATIENTS OR FRIENDS. THIS IS A HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT THAT WONT BREAK YOUR PIGGY BANK. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND VERY HIGHLY!. BUY WITHOUT RESERVATION!! A+++
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
★★★★★ 4
Perfect size and weight with compact size
Style: Rack with 3 Pairs (3, 5, and 8 Pound)
I purchased the Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights specifically for Pilates, and they’ve been a great addition to my routine. The size and weight are perfect for controlled movements, helping with muscle toning without feeling too bulky or awkward.
The neoprene coating gives them a comfortable, non-slip grip, which is especially important during longer sessions or when your hands get a little sweaty. They feel secure and easy to hold through a full workout.
I also like the shape—they don’t roll around on the floor, which makes transitions between exercises smoother and less frustrating. They’re compact enough to store easily but still feel durable and well-made.
Overall, these are a simple, affordable, and effective option for Pilates or light strength training. I’d definitely recommend them for anyone looking to add a little resistance to their workouts without overcomplicating things.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Well made , gym quality
Style: 10 Pound, Pair
Color is nice and bright . The weights grips are good they do not slip . Prices reflect quality
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Good purchase
Style: 3 Pound, Pair
These are just the right weight for me to start gaining muscle back in my arms, after a large weight loss. They are of good quality, they are covered in a nice rubber like coating that is soft to the touch. They are small enough that i can take them with me when I travel. My dog has got hold of them a couple times and played with them, and they held up just fine without any damage.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026