

Age of rage: the psychology behind our moral outrage
74 snips Jan 25, 2025
Kurt Gray, a professor at the University of North Carolina and author of "Outraged," dives into the psychology of moral outrage. He examines why topics like abortion and gun control ignite intense feelings, exploring our instinct to prevent harm. Gray discusses the role of storytelling in political dialogues, emphasizing how personal narratives can bridge divides. He offers insights on transforming heated debates into understanding through mutual respect, ultimately suggesting that recognizing our shared humanity can lead to more productive conversations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Road Rage Incident
- Kurt Gray, as a teen, was driving recklessly when he almost hit a Mercedes-Benz.
- The ensuing confrontation escalated with both men feeling like victims.
Victimhood and Morality
- Feeling like the victim in a situation fuels moral conviction and escalates arguments.
- This explains disagreements on topics from abortion to road rage.
Evolution of Morality
- Humans evolved to be sensitive to threats, developing morality as a tool to maintain group cohesion.
- This same morality can be used to justify harming out-groups.