Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen
Navigating Different Systems of Morality (Kurt Gray, PhD)
Apr 17, 2025
Kurt Gray, a social psychologist and author of 'Outraged,' dives into the complexities of human motivation and communication. He highlights how our understanding of evolutionary history shapes perceptions of safety and morality. Gray discusses 'concept creep' and the misconceptions surrounding harm, revealing that we're generally safer than we think. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in navigating polarized discussions and shares strategies for engaging with opposing viewpoints, urging listeners to foster genuine dialogue and connection.
56:15
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Quick takeaways
- Human motivation is often shaped by individual perceptions of threat, impacting political disagreements and fostering empathy requires recognizing this shared instinct.
- Kurt Gray challenges the notion of humans as apex predators by highlighting our historical vulnerabilities, which influences our current anxieties and behaviors today.
Deep dives
Understanding Human Motivation
Human motivation is deeply influenced by individual perceptions of harm and threat, which varies greatly among people. Social psychologist Kurt Gray emphasizes that everyone is wired to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from perceived dangers. This fundamental drive underlies many political disagreements, as different groups focus on varying aspects of vulnerability based on their experiences. Recognizing this shared instinct can foster greater empathy and understanding across ideological divides.
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