Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas cover image

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

227 | Molly Crockett on the Psychology of Morality

Feb 20, 2023
Molly Crockett, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Princeton, delves into the fascinating psychology of morality. She discusses how our moral inclinations can be automatic or require deep reasoning, influenced by social context and technology. Crockett explores the impact of social media on ethical behavior, particularly in heated debates like the gas stove controversy. Additionally, she critiques the idea that humans are inherently selfish, advocating for the role of empathy and cultural influences in shaping our moral landscape.
01:11:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Morality plays a crucial role in social cohesion and the maintenance of social norms, contributing to our sense of right and wrong.
  • Research on mass gatherings reveals that spending time at these events can lead to moral expansion, as individuals extend their moral circle to include a broader range of people.

Deep dives

The Role of Morality in Social Cohesion

Morality plays a crucial role in social cohesion, as it helps maintain social norms and promotes cooperative behavior. Humans have evolved a capacity to learn and transmit moral values from one generation to another, which contributes to our sense of right and wrong. While there is variation in moral beliefs across cultures, the importance of social relationships and the desire to fit into the social world influence our moral cognition.

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