Kurt Gray, a professor at the University of North Carolina and author of "Outraged," dives into the psychology of moral outrage. He examines why topics like abortion and gun control ignite intense feelings, exploring our instinct to prevent harm. Gray discusses the role of storytelling in political dialogues, emphasizing how personal narratives can bridge divides. He offers insights on transforming heated debates into understanding through mutual respect, ultimately suggesting that recognizing our shared humanity can lead to more productive conversations.

Kurt Gray, a psychology and neuroscience professor at UNC Chapel Hill, dives into the fascinating world of moral psychology. He challenges the notion that liberals and conservatives have entirely opposing moral frameworks, revealing that everyone's judgments come from feelings of vulnerability. Gray discusses how perceptions of who the 'real' victim is can ignite moral outrage in various contexts. He also explores the evolution of human emotions like guilt and anger and emphasizes the importance of empathy in political discussions to foster understanding.

“And then you're like, actually, I can't know what it's like to be a bat—again, the problem of other minds, right? There's this fundamental divide between a human mind and a bat, but at least a bat's a mammal. What is it like to be an AI? I have no idea. So I think [mind perception] could make us less sympathetic to them in some sense because it's—I don't know, they're a circuit board, there are these algorithms, and so who knows? I can subjugate them now under the heel of human desire because they're not like me.”Kurt GrayWhat is mind perception? What do we know about mind perception of AI/robots? Why do people like to use AI for some decisions but not moral decisions? Why would people rather give up hundreds of hospital beds than let AI make moral decisions?Kurt Gray is a Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. He studies morality, politics, religion, perceptions of AI, and how best to bridge divides.Topics discussed in the episode:Introduction (0:00)How did a geophysicist come to be doing social psychology? (0:51)What do the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding do? (3:11)What is mind perception? (4:45)What is a mind? (7:45)Agency vs experience, or thinking vs feeling (9:40)Why do people see moral exemplars as being insensitive to pain? (10:45)How will people perceive minds in robots/AI? (18:50)Perspective taking as a tool to reduce substratism towards AI (29:30)Why don’t people like using AI to make moral decisions? (32:25)What would be the moral status of AI if they are not sentient? (38:00)The presence of robots can make people seem more similar (44:10)What can we expect about discrimination towards digital minds in the future? (48:30)Resources discussed in the episode are available at https://www.sentienceinstitute.org/podcastSupport the show

Kurt Gray, a professor at UNC Chapel Hill and director of the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding, explores the psychological roots of moral outrage. He discusses how differing perceptions of harm drive societal divisions and the impact of emotions like fear and disgust on moral judgments. Gray debunks the apex predator myth, revealing our cooperative evolutionary history. Highlighting the role of social media in amplifying outrage, he emphasizes the need for empathy and genuine listening to bridge divides and foster understanding in contentious discussions.

Dr. Kurt Gray, a Professor at the University of North Carolina, dives into the art of teaching kids strong values while respecting differing opinions. He discusses the importance of empathy in moral development and offers practical strategies for navigating moral dilemmas. The conversation emphasizes open dialogue over judgment, especially in discussions about complex issues like bullying. Gray also highlights how fostering independence in teens can enhance their moral growth, blending individual beliefs with understanding broader perspectives.

Psychology professor Kurt Gray, a leading expert from the University of North Carolina and author of "Outraged," delves into how our evolutionary history as prey has influenced today's moral and political debates. He discusses the dynamics of victimhood, especially how groups perceive threats and the narratives shaped by media. The conversation also touches on the complex interplay of oppressor and oppressed identities, emphasizing empathy in understanding societal conflicts, including contentious situations like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Dr. Kurt Gray, a psychology professor at UNC and author of "Outraged," explores the roots of societal divisions and the psychology behind moral indignation. He discusses how perceptions of harm and victimhood shape our moral judgments, emphasizing the role of group loyalty in navigating offense. The conversation highlights the power of personal narratives in fostering understanding between differing political perspectives. Gray offers insights into hope and humility as essential tools for bridging divides and promoting empathy in a polarized world.

Kurt Gray, a psychology and neuroscience professor at UNC Chapel Hill, dives into the landscape of moral outrage and the psychology behind it. He introduces his CIV approach—Connect, Invite, and Validate—as a method for mending societal divides. Through engaging discussions about empathy, he challenges political myths and emphasizes the need for personal stories in debates on sensitive topics. Gray also addresses mental fatigue from today's divisive climate and advocates for compassionate communication to foster understanding.

Ethan Gilsdorf, a writer and performer, shares how Dungeons & Dragons helped him navigate life’s hurdles and find empowerment. David Fajgenbaum, a physician and Castleman disease advocate, discusses his battle with illness and the transformative power of storytelling in healing. Kurt Gray, a psychology professor, delves into the hero's journey as a framework for personal growth, encouraging listeners to reshape their narratives. Together, they explore how embracing life's challenges can create meaning and resilience through our own heroic tales.

Award-winning researcher and moral psychologist Dr. Kurt Gray discusses bridging political divisions and the impact of morality on relationships. Exploring strategies to navigate polarization, he emphasizes validating differing views and the importance of empathy and understanding in conversations. Dr. Gray sheds light on overcoming fear and biases to enhance communication in today's divided world.