Morality binds and blinds individuals from "summary" of The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
The human mind evolved to bind people together into cooperative groups. Morality serves as the glue that holds societies together, ensuring that individuals can work towards common goals. It helps create a sense of belonging and shared identity among group members, fostering trust and cooperation. However, this binding force of morality also comes with a downside. When individuals are bound by a shared moral code, they become blind to alternative perspectives and beliefs. This blindness is a natural consequence of the strong emotions and convictions that moral beliefs elicit. People tend to filter out information that contradicts their moral views, leading to a narrow-minded focus on their own group's values and beliefs. This can lead to conflict and misunderstanding between different groups, as each remains entrenched in their own moral convictions. Moreover, this binding and blinding effect of morality can hinder rational thought and decision-making. Emotions play a significant role in shaping moral beliefs, often overriding logical reasoning. As a result, individuals may act based on their moral intuitions rather than carefully considering the consequences of their actions. This can lead to impulsive or irrational behavior, driven by a sense of moral righteousness. Despite these drawbacks, morality remains a crucial aspect of human society. It provides a sense of purpose and meaning, guiding individuals towards prosocial behavior and cooperation. By understanding the binding and blinding nature of morality, individuals can strive for greater empathy, openness, and understanding towards others. This can help bridge the gaps between different moral perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.
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