Are We Born Evil? (According To Psychology)

Summary

The debate over whether humans are inherently good or evil is explored through various psychological studies. From Milgram's obedience experiment showing how people may harm others under authority, to children experiencing both schadenfreude and empathy, the video presents complex insights into human nature. It also discusses how people often blame others for their misfortunes while still showing a natural inclination to help. Ultimately, the studies reveal that humans possess both self-interested and altruistic traits, offering no clear-cut answer to the age-old question of human nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humans have long debated whether we are inherently good or evil, with no clear consensus.
• 😀 The classic Milgram experiment shows that people may be willing to harm others under the influence of authority, with 65% of participants delivering potentially fatal shocks.
• 😀 A 2014 study found that people are more willing to harm themselves for rewards than harm others, suggesting a strong preference for altruism.
• 😀 Children as young as four experience schadenfreude, the pleasure of others' misfortunes, but they also show empathy for others and act to correct injustices.
• 😀 Even preschoolers prefer to punish antisocial behavior, as shown in studies where they enjoy watching bad puppets get punished more than receiving rewards themselves.
• 😀 Despite early signs of cruelty, children also have a natural sense of fairness, as shown by their willingness to share and redistribute resources like marbles.
• 😀 Humans tend to believe in a 'just world,' where people get what they deserve, leading us to blame the victims of misfortune, even though we are naturally inclined to help others.
• 😀 Research indicates that humans have an instinct for 'strong reciprocity,' meaning we are predisposed to contribute to the greater good without expecting anything in return.
• 😀 A balance exists between our capacity for both cruelty and kindness, and psychology suggests that our behaviors are influenced by complex internal and external factors.
• 😀 The script emphasizes that psychology doesn't provide a simple answer to whether humans are inherently good or evil, leaving room for personal interpretation and debate.

Q & A

What is the main question explored in this video?

The main question explored is whether humans are inherently good or evil, and the video discusses various psychological studies that provide insights into this debate.

What was the purpose of Stanley Milgram's experiment?

Milgram's experiment aimed to test obedience to authority, examining how far people would go in inflicting harm on others when ordered by an authority figure.

What was the result of Milgram's study?

The result of Milgram's study was that 65% of participants were willing to administer a fatal electric shock to a person (who was actually an actor), demonstrating a strong tendency to obey authority even when it meant harming others.

How did the 2014 study at University College London differ from Milgram's experiment?

In the 2014 study, participants were given cash rewards for administering shocks, either to themselves or to others. The results showed that participants were more willing to shock themselves for money than to shock others, suggesting people value the well-being of others.

What does the concept of 'schadenfreude' mean, and how is it relevant to human nature?

'Schadenfreude' refers to the pleasure one feels from the misfortunes of others. The video discusses a study where even young children experienced schadenfreude, indicating an innate aspect of human nature that can be ruthless or even cruel.

How do children show both cruelty and sympathy?

Children, as young as four years old, can experience both schadenfreude and sympathy. While they may laugh at the misfortunes of others, they also demonstrate empathy by feeling sorry for those who suffer and even helping those in need, like when toddlers shared marbles to ensure fairness.

What does the 'just world belief' refer to, and how does it influence our perception of others' suffering?

The 'just world belief' is the tendency to believe that people get what they deserve. This belief can lead to blaming victims of misfortune for their suffering, rather than recognizing that bad things can happen to anyone.

How do people behave in situations involving helping others, according to psychological studies?

Studies have shown that people are naturally inclined to trust and help others, even when they are strangers and have no expectation of receiving anything in return. For example, in a lab experiment, participants contributed money to a common fund, showing a predisposition for helping others.

What does the term 'strong reciprocity' mean in the context of human nature?

'Strong reciprocity' refers to the instinctive tendency to help others without expecting anything in return. This behavior is seen as part of our natural disposition to trust and cooperate with others.

What is the overall conclusion regarding human nature based on the psychological studies discussed in the video?

The studies suggest that human nature is complex, containing both good and bad traits. People may be inclined to harm others under certain conditions, such as obedience to authority, but they also demonstrate empathy, sympathy, and a natural tendency to help others in many situations.