The podcast delves into the stages of moral reasoning, from societal expectations to intrinsic motivators. It explores the evolutionary aspect of cooperation as a key survival trait and discusses the various reasons why people engage in acts of kindness, including psychological, evolutionary, and biochemical explanations.
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Quick takeaways
Doing good evolves from following authority to rational ethical decisions as individuals mature.
Cooperation, a valuable trait, is likely rooted in evolutionary biology and contributes significantly to survivability.
Deep dives
Motivations for Doing Good
Individuals have various reasons for doing good, as outlined by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg. Initially, people, particularly children, may do good due to authority's instructions and the desire for rewards or to avoid punishments. As individuals mature, the motivation shifts towards fitting in with societal norms, seeking acceptance in peer groups, and fulfilling civic responsibilities. This progresses further to a sense of obligation towards the community, aiming to uphold a social contract and act based on rationality and duties to reason.
Benefits of Doing Good
Engaging in acts of kindness and doing good not only impacts societal unity but also has biochemical effects on the brain. Studies show that donating to charity activates the brain's mesolimbic system, releasing chemicals like oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure. Kindness can reduce levels of depression and anxiety significantly. Additionally, the reciprocity of kindness creates a positive feedback loop, where being kind results in kindness being reciprocated, promoting overall well-being and happiness.
The psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg believed humans developed through stages of moral reasoning in their lives, from doing good because we are told to do good, to doing good for rewards, to doing good to fit into social groups, to doing good because reason impels us. I think, I “do good” for all the reasons Kohlberg identifies, but also because I’m biologically hard wired to do so due to evolutionary pressures. Cooperation is a highly valued personality trait that probably contributes more to our survivability than we give it credit for.
Sources:
Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg
Stephen Post, Director of the Center for Medical Humanities at Stony Brook