

JOSHUA GREENE: uniting moral tribes
52 snips Jun 19, 2025
Joshua Greene, a Harvard psychology professor and expert in moral decision-making, delves into the nuances of expanding our moral circles. He discusses the interplay of tribalism and cooperation, advocating for a compassionate approach to utilitarianism. Greene unveils the innovative Giving Multiplier, transforming how we view charitable giving. He emphasizes the power of collaborative games to bridge political divides and shares insights from his research on fostering understanding and engagement across differing viewpoints.
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Brain's Evolutionary Moral Limits
- Human brains evolved for cooperation within groups, not between groups, causing intergroup conflict.
- Expanding moral circles emotionally and rationally is essential for wider cooperation.
Change Starts With People
- Politicians have limited ability to change divided attitudes without grassroots support.
- Change people's attitudes on the ground and improve social structures to foster cooperation.
Brain Studies Illuminate Moral Judgments
- Trolley problem brain studies reveal moral decisions mix emotional and rational processes.
- Moral intuitions impact judgments differently based on direct physical involvement.