Non-Zero-Sum James Moral Licensing ~ the makings of a very Negative-Sum Game
Jul 12, 2025
Dive into the intriguing concept of moral licensing, where past good deeds are used to rationalize questionable actions. Discover how this cycle of justification impacts not just individuals but society at large. The discussion extends to geopolitical realities, revealing how perceptions of victimization can perpetuate harmful behaviors. With references to compelling studies, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of morality's complexities in our daily lives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Innate Drive for Moral Consistency
- People have an innate drive to maintain consistency in beliefs and actions, striving to perceive themselves as good.
- Despite this, many people cause negativity while believing they are doing good, revealing a complex moral landscape.
Understanding Moral Licensing
- Moral licensing means previous good deeds give a person moral credit to justify later bad behavior.
- It explains why people might indulge after virtuous acts, consciously or unconsciously.
Automate Giving to Avoid Licensing
- Make charitable giving automatic to avoid needing to reaffirm virtuous choices repeatedly.
- This helps prevent moral licensing that can excuse later bad behavior.
