The moral roots of liberals and conservatives - Jonathan Haidt

Summary

The speaker explores the psychological underpinnings of political ideologies, highlighting the 'five foundations of morality' and how they shape liberal and conservative values. Using humor and thought-provoking examples, the talk delves into the innate aspects of our moral compass and the cultural variations that arise from them. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to foster moral humility and effective societal change, ultimately encouraging stepping out of the 'moral Matrix' to appreciate diverse perspectives.

Takeaways

• 🗿 The story of two American friends, Adam and Bill, in Italy highlights the difference in reactions to Michelangelo's David, suggesting a connection between personality traits and political preferences.
• 📊 Openness to experience is a significant personality trait that differentiates liberals from conservatives, with liberals being more inclined towards novelty, diversity, and new ideas.
• 🌐 The speaker suggests that understanding openness to experience can help explain various human behaviors, including preferences in books, travel, and food.
• 🏛 The five foundations of morality—harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/sanctity—are proposed as universal moral intuitions that differ in emphasis between liberals and conservatives.
• 📊 Liberals tend to prioritize harm and fairness, while conservatives value all five foundations, indicating a broader moral perspective that includes ingroup loyalty, authority, and purity.
• 🌐 The moral foundations framework is supported by cross-cultural and cross-species research, suggesting these foundations are innate and subject to cultural variation.
• 📊 The speaker presents data showing that liberals and conservatives have different moral priorities, with liberals focusing on harm and fairness and conservatives on a broader range of moral concerns.
• 🌐 The disagreement between liberals and conservatives is framed as a balance between change and stability, with liberals advocating for diversity and questioning authority, while conservatives emphasize tradition and order.
• 🌐 The speaker argues that both liberals and conservatives contribute to a balanced approach to societal change and stability, drawing parallels with Eastern philosophies like Yin and Yang.
• 🧘‍♂️ Moral humility is advocated as a way to step outside the 'moral Matrix' and understand the perspectives of others, even when they differ from our own.
• 🌐 The talk concludes with a call to action for TED attendees to use their passion for truth and change to cultivate moral humility and foster a better future.

Q & A

What is the main point of the story involving two American friends, Adam and Bill, and Michelangelo's David?

The story illustrates the difference in reactions to art based on personality traits, suggesting that Bill, who is embarrassed, might be more conservative, while Adam, who appreciates the statue, might be more liberal. It highlights the trait of 'openness to experience' as a predictor of political and social attitudes.

What is the significance of the trait 'openness to experience' in understanding human behavior?

Openness to experience is a major personality trait that influences an individual's preferences for novelty, variety, diversity, and new ideas. People high on this trait tend to be more liberal and progressive, while those low on it prefer familiarity, safety, and dependability.

How does the trait of 'openness to experience' relate to political ideologies?

Individuals with high openness to experience are more likely to have liberal and progressive political views, favoring an open and changing society. Conversely, those with low openness tend to prefer conservative, traditional, and right-wing views.

What is the concept of the 'moral matrix' mentioned in the script?

The 'moral matrix' is a metaphor for the cognitive biases and preconceived notions that shape an individual's moral and political beliefs. It represents the tendency to be trapped in one's own perspective, unable to see the validity in opposing viewpoints.

What are the 'Five Foundations of Morality' as described in the script?

The Five Foundations of Morality are: harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/sanctity. These foundations are considered universal elements of the moral mind that guide our ethical judgments and behaviors.

How do liberals and conservatives differ in their approach to the Five Foundations of Morality?

Liberals tend to emphasize harm and fairness, often rejecting the other three foundations (ingroup loyalty, authority, and purity) as not being central to morality. Conservatives, on the other hand, value all five foundations, leading to a more comprehensive approach to morality.

What does the script suggest about the innateness of the moral mind?

The script suggests that the moral mind has an innate structure, meaning that we are born with a predisposition to certain moral intuitions and emotions. Experience then revises and refines this initial organization.

How does the script relate the concept of 'moral humility' to the pursuit of truth and making the world a better place?

The script encourages individuals to step outside their moral matrix and cultivate moral humility, which involves recognizing the validity in others' viewpoints and being open to different perspectives. This approach can lead to a more effective pursuit of truth and positive change.

What is the role of punishment in promoting cooperation within groups, as discussed in the script?

The script suggests that punishment, whether it be in the form of shame, embarrassment, or social consequences, is crucial for maintaining cooperation within groups, especially when dealing with common dilemmas where individuals might be tempted to free ride.

How does the script connect the insights of ancient Asian philosophies and religions to modern moral psychology?

The script draws parallels between the concepts of Yin and Yang, Vishnu and Shiva, and Zen teachings, emphasizing the balance and interdependence of seemingly opposing forces. It suggests that understanding and integrating these forces can lead to a more nuanced and effective approach to moral and social issues.

What is the script's view on the relationship between liberals and conservatives in terms of societal progress?

The script posits that liberals and conservatives both have valuable contributions to make to society. Liberals advocate for change and justice, while conservatives emphasize the importance of order and tradition. A balance between these perspectives is necessary for societal stability and progress.