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Morality and Psychology
Dr Neil Levy
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne and James Martin 21st Century School, Oxford University.
Moral RelativismA doctrine we can live with?
Aztec sacrifices….
Moral Relativism:Honor killings
The Trolley Problem
The Trolley Problem
Testing the rule: If someone works in the city, then they travel to work on the subway.
CITY SUBWAY CABPersonal Dilemmas: BA 9/10 (medial frontal gyrus); BA 39 (angular gyrus).
Impersonal dilemmas BA 7/40 (parietal lobe) BA 46 (middle frontal gyrus)
Wheatley and Haidt (2005) Congressman Arnold Paxton frequently
gives speeches condemning corruption and arguing for campaign finance reform. But he is just trying to cover up the fact that he himself [will take bribes from/is often bribed by] the tobacco lobby, and other special interests, to promote their legislation.
Wheatley and Haidt (2005) Dan is a student council representative at
his school. This semester he is in charge of scheduling discussions about academic issues. He [tries to pick/often picks] topics that appeal to both professors and students in order to stimulate discussion.
“It just seems like he’s up to something”.
‘‘It just seems so weird and disgusting’’
‘‘I don’t know [why it’s wrong], it just is.’’
Reasoning is Rationalization
The Motivated Reasoning Problem: TheReasoning Process Is More like a Lawyer Defending a Client than a Judge or Scientist Seeking Truth
The Psychologist’s Challenge Moral judgments are caused by our
emotional responses, and therefore are not rational.
Our emotional responses are not sensitive to reasoning.
Wason Selection TaskDeontic version.Testing the rule, If you drink alcohol, you
must be at least eighteen.
17 YEARS OLD
21 YEARS OLD
DRINKINGCOKE
The Iowa Gambling Task
The Psychologist’s Challenge Are emotions sensitive to reason?
Implicit Association Test
Implicit Association TestBlack White
Hurt, Agony Joy, Peace
Implicit Association TestBlack White
Joy, Peace Hurt, Agony
Top Down Influences
Between subjects design
Lever case Fat man case
Within subjects design
Lever case Fat man case
