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.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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Joshua Greene's 'Moral Tribes' delves into the complexities of human morality, arguing that our brains evolved for cooperation within groups, but struggle with intergroup relations. The book introduces the concept of 'deep pragmatism' as a metamorality to foster cooperation between groups with conflicting moral intuitions. Greene uses the analogy of 'thinking fast and slow' to differentiate between intuitive moral judgments and detached moral reasoning. He suggests that utilitarianism, or 'deep pragmatism,' can serve as a common currency for making trade-offs among competing values and interests. By understanding our evolved moral psychology, Greene proposes ways to bridge divides and promote cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
The expanding circle
Ethics and Sociobiology
Peter Singer
In 'The Expanding Circle', Peter Singer integrates insights from sociobiology and ethics to argue that human altruism, initially driven by genetic instincts to protect kin and community, has evolved into a consciously chosen ethic with an expanding circle of moral concern. Singer contends that our capacity for reason allows us to extend moral consideration beyond biological and social groups to include all beings capable of feeling pleasure or pain. The book discusses the relationship between reason, ethics, and the biological basis of human behavior, and it includes a new afterword in the 2011 edition that reflects on recent research in the field[1][5][4].
Animal liberation
Peter Singer
First published in 1975, 'Animal Liberation' by Peter Singer has been a pivotal book in the animal rights movement. It introduces the concept of 'speciesism,' the systematic neglect and exploitation of nonhuman animals. Singer argues that the interests of all beings capable of suffering should be given equal consideration, regardless of their species. The book critiques factory farming and animal experimentation, presenting alternatives and advocating for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The revised edition, 'Animal Liberation Now,' updates the arguments to reflect current issues, including environmental impacts and the spread of viruses from factory farms[1][3][5].
Joshua Greene is an experimental psychologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Joshua shares insights into how evolutionary psychology underpins group cooperation and the challenges of expanding moral circles. Josh also reflects on his personal feelings of hope and commitment towards fostering a more unified and cooperative society.
Lives Well Lived 
