sense of morality

Key insights on the sense of morality were discussed by several experts across different podcasts:

1. Descriptive Science of Morality: Sam Harris emphasizes the importance of understanding human behaviors and emotions objectively to build a descriptive science of morality based on evolutionary, psychological, and neurobiological perspectives. This approach helps to study how diverse behaviors and cultural norms affect human communities both in the past and present 1.

2. Morality and Self-Image: Molly Crockett discusses the relationship between morality and self-image, highlighting that morality is crucial for our sense of self. She notes that humans are deeply motivated to be seen as moral by others due to the historical importance of social inclusion. This affects both individual and societal levels of social responsibility 2.

3. Common Sense Morality: Tyler Cowen argues that common sense morality, which evolves over time, often aligns with societal success. Societies with uncommon sense morality, such as those with detrimental norms, tend not to thrive, suggesting an inherent group selection pressure that shapes moral beliefs to be workable for societal continuity 3.

   Understanding Morality Science

   Sam Harris

   Sam delves into the importance of understanding the science behind morality, emphasizing the need to study human behaviors and emotions objectively. He highlights the significance of building a descriptive science of morality based on evolutionary, psychological, and neurobiological perspectives.

   

   Making Sense Podcast

   Facts & Values: Clarifying the Moral Landscape (Episode #364)

   Explore similar conversationsView full episode summary

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4. Innate Ethics: Michael Schur and Dan Harris discuss how a sense of ethics can be innate, evolving from a combination of experiences, teachings, and inherent human traits. This innate ethical inclination promotes altruism and community, which have evolutionary advantages 4.

5. Moral Systems as Human Inventions: David Haig views moral systems as cultural inventions that have evolved to help humans live together harmoniously. These systems are not direct products of our evolutionary past but are instead technologies that can become outdated and need continuous revision as society changes 5.

These insights indicate that morality is a complex and multifaceted concept, influenced by evolutionary processes, cultural constructs, and individual psychological development.