Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 176 | Joshua Greene on Morality, Psychology, and Trolley Problems
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Dec 6, 2021 Join Joshua Greene, a Harvard Professor of Psychology and moral psychology expert, as he dives deep into the intricate world of moral reasoning. He discusses the famous trolley problem and its implications for ethics, contrasting deontological and consequentialist views. Greene advocates for utilitarianism while exploring the evolutionary origins of our moral intuitions. He also introduces the Giving Multiplier, promoting effective altruism in charitable giving. Get ready for a fascinating exploration of morality, emotions, and the science behind our ethical decisions!
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Morality's Evolutionary Basis
- Morality is a natural phenomenon arising from evolution, enabling cooperation.
- It's a suite of psychological devices, primarily emotionally driven, allowing teamwork and survival.
Need for Metamoraility
- Modern morality demands a 'metamorality' to resolve intergroup conflicts.
- A deep pragmatist approach, similar to utilitarianism, uses shared experience as a common currency for resolving conflicting values.
Pragmatic Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism prioritizes the greater good but acknowledges individual rights.
- A pragmatic approach recognizes human limitations and biases in applying utilitarian principles.
