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Modern Wisdom

#796 - Rob Kurzban - The Evolutionary Psychology Of Human Morality

Jun 13, 2024
Rob Kurzban, a psychologist and author specializing in evolutionary psychology, dives into the intricate world of human morality. He challenges the universality of moral principles and reveals how motivations, culture, and personal circumstances influence our views, particularly on sensitive issues like abortion. Kurzban discusses the strategic nature of moral decisions and the role of reputation in moral evaluations. He also tackles the complexities of hypocrisy in society and the potential dark side of moral accusations, emphasizing the importance of wisdom to navigate our moral landscapes.
01:43:51

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Quick takeaways

  • Morality is a side-choosing mechanism, with accusations leading individuals to align with accusers and avoid association with perceived wrongdoers.
  • Accusations of moral transgressions can be weaponized for personal gain, seen historically in events like the Salem witch trials to harm others.

Deep dives

Evolutionary Origins of Morality: Side-Choosing Mechanism

Humans are seen as cooperating in a unique fashion where individuals may switch sides, unlike non-human animals. Morality is perceived as a side-choosing mechanism, where accusations of wrongdoing lead individuals to be on the side of the accusers. This aligns with our innate desire to avoid being associated with perceived wrongdoers in conflicts.

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