Philosophy Archives

Ideological Development: Are Political Views Innate?

How are political views formed? Do we learn them? Or are we born with them? In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses how we can have more constructive conversations with people who have different political leanings than our own. Interestingly, he believes that political ideology is at least partially innate, not just learned. He offers three keys to understanding ideological development, which can help bridge the divide. Read more to learn about ideological development.

Haidt’s Moral Foundations Theory: The 6 Foundations

What is Jonathan Haidt’s Moral Foundations Theory? What does he believe are the six foundations of morality? Jonathan Haidt’s Moral Foundations Theory puts forth six foundations of morality that we all have, but in different proportions. They are based on how people in various cultures deal with life’s challenges and what they regard as virtues. Read more to learn about Haidt’s Moral Foundations Theory.

Moral Choices: Understanding Ethical Decision-Making

What roles do intuition and reason play when it comes to our moral choices? How and why do we seek to justify these choices? Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that we use intuition rather than reason to make most of our moral choices. Then we use moral reasoning to justify our decisions to others. Basically, we are more concerned that others think we’re doing the right thing than we are concerned about actually doing the right thing. Read more to learn about how we make moral choices and then justify them.

Moral Intuition or Moral Reasoning: What Comes First?

Why does moral intuition kick in before moral reasoning? Is reasoning a total slave to emotion? Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s experiments indicate that we react first with moral intuition, and then we employ reason. In his book The Righteous Mind, he provides additional evidence for this conclusion and explains why this is the way we make moral judgments. Read more to learn about moral intuition.

The Origin of Morality: Intuition or Culture?

How is morality defined? What is the origin of morality? Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt believes that morality is better defined by what it does rather than what is moral. He argues that, contrary to what many people think, morality isn’t innate. The truth about the origin of morality is more complex. Read on to learn more about the definition and origin of morality.

Reason and Emotion: How Do They Influence Morality?

How is morality determined by reason and emotion? Which force is stronger when it comes to ethics? Some argue that morality is governed by reason. Others insist that morality is governed by emotion. In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses the argument, showing how philosophers and psychologists point to reason and emotion as driving forces behind our moral choices. He believes that one argument is stronger, and he offers insight into how we can leverage this to persuade others. Read more to learn how reason and emotion come into play when it comes to our sense of right

Debunking the New Atheists: Religion Is Not a Virus

What do the New Atheists believe about religion? Are they right? In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that the New Atheists get it wrong when it comes to religion. Their claim that religion is a virus is at odds with the benefits that religion provides to society. Read on to learn how Haidt believes the New Atheists are wrong about religion.

Empathy and Morality: What Is the Connection?

What is the connection between empathy and morality? Do the moral philosophies of Bentham and Kant go far enough? In his book The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt asserts that popular Western theories about morality fail to fully grasp the connection between empathy and morality. He points to the moral philosophies of Jeremy Bentham and Immanuel Kant in particular. Read more to learn about the treatment of empathy and morality in Western philosophy.

Tony Robbins: Values and Why They Matter

What does Tony Robbins say about values? How can understanding your values change your mindset for the better? According to Tony Robbins, values can dictate every evaluation and decision you make. When you’re clear on your values, they act as your compass, guiding you unequivocally toward any action that upholds them. As argued by Tony Robbins, values that are understood fully can lead to happiness, empowerment, and fulfillment. Find out more about Tony Robbins’ value theory below.

How to Ask for What You Want: Ask and Receive

Does fear of rejection prevent you from getting what you want? How do you ask for what you want in an unobtrusive yet bold and assertive way? Sometimes, all it takes to get what you want is asking for it. But it’s easy to hold yourself back—maybe you’re afraid of rejection, so you decide it’s better not to ask than to face a “no.” Here are some tips on how to ask for what you want to increase your chances of actually getting it.