Euthyphro dilemma asked for evolution.

[Angrboda]

I might argue that a code of conduct is already a evolved response to morality at its most basic. I would argue morality at its most basic is an semi-instinctive, semi-taught perception that if one were to do certain thing, it would lead in some vaguely defined way to something bad happening to oneself.

Since we are all born of more or less similar genetic material, most of us probably respond in some grossly similar way to action with the same perceived effect on us. This allows some pragmatic rules to be conecived and adapted that would maximize individual's odds of prospering within his social network. I suspect "this will down like a lead balloon with a whole bunch of people from whom I might need favors" was the original basis of morality.

I'd disagree, and so would the encyclopedia:

The term “morality” can be used either

1. descriptively to refer to some codes of conduct put forward by a society or,
some other group, such as a religion, or
accepted by an individual for her own behavior or
2. normatively to refer to a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons.

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/morality-definition/

You know Genk, if you cite a definition that is not inclusive, as if it were inclusive, someone like me might come along and accuse you of cherry-picking, which is what you did. The SEP says that it can be used in either of those two senses, not that those are the only senses in which it can be used. (Did you even bother to read the rest of the article? I rather doubt it.) Moreover, citing a specialized encyclopedia like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy as if it were a general encyclopedia is pretty underhanded too. You must be losing the argument to resort to such tactics. For Christ's sake, 'argument by dictionary'? Have you lost your ever loving mind?

Here's what Wikipedia says:

Morality (from the Latin moralitas "manner, character, proper behavior") is the differentiation of intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good (or right) and those that are bad (or wrong). A moral code is a system of morality (according to a particular philosophy, religion, culture, etc.) and a moral is any one practice or teaching within a moral code.

Where's the damn "negative kudo" button?