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Morality and Psychology

This comprehensive discussion delves into moral relativism and its implications in contemporary ethics. By examining varied scenarios, including Aztec sacrifices, honor killings, and the Trolley Problem, we explore how emotions shape moral judgments. Key findings reveal that reasoning often resembles a lawyer defending a client rather than an impartial quest for truth. This highlights the intricate relationship between emotional responses and rationality, challenging the assumption that moral judgments stem purely from logical reasoning. Join us as we navigate the complexities of moral decision-making in a diverse world.

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Morality and Psychology

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  1. Morality and Psychology Dr Neil Levy Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne and James Martin 21st Century School, Oxford University.

  2. Moral Relativism A doctrine we can live with?

  3. Aztec sacrifices….

  4. Moral Relativism: Honor killings

  5. The Trolley Problem

  6. The Trolley Problem

  7. Testing the rule: If someone works in the city, then they travel to work on the subway. personal CITY SUBWAY CAB Personal Dilemmas: BA 9/10 (medial frontal gyrus); BA 39 (angular gyrus). Impersonal dilemmas BA 7/40 (parietal lobe) BA 46 (middle frontal gyrus)

  8. Wheatley and Haidt (2005) • Congressman Arnold Paxton frequently gives speeches condemning corruption and arguing for campaign finance reform. But he is just trying to cover up the fact that he himself [will take bribes from/is often bribed by] the tobacco lobby, and other special interests, to promote their legislation.

  9. Wheatley and Haidt (2005) • Dan is a student council representative at his school. This semester he is in charge of scheduling discussions about academic issues. He [tries to pick/often picks] topics that appeal to both professors and students in order to stimulate discussion.

  10. “It just seems like he’s up to something”. • ‘‘It just seems so weird and disgusting’’ • ‘‘I don’t know [why it’s wrong], it just is.’’

  11. Reasoning is Rationalization The Motivated Reasoning Problem: The Reasoning Process Is More like a Lawyer Defending a Client than a Judge or Scientist Seeking Truth

  12. The Psychologist’s Challenge • Moral judgments are caused by our emotional responses, and therefore are not rational. • Our emotional responses are not sensitive to reasoning.

  13. Wason Selection Task Deontic version. Testing the rule, If you drink alcohol, you must be at least eighteen. 17 YEARS OLD DRINKING COKE 21 YEARS OLD

  14. The Iowa Gambling Task

  15. The Psychologist’s Challenge • Are emotions sensitive to reason?

  16. Implicit Association Test

  17. Implicit Association Test Black White Hurt, Agony Joy, Peace

  18. Implicit Association Test Black White Joy, Peace Hurt, Agony

  19. Top Down Influences

  20. Between subjects design Lever case Fat man case

  21. Within subjects design Lever case Fat man case

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