We tend to demonize those with opposing moral views from "summary" of The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
We have a natural tendency to see the world in terms of good versus evil, and this tendency is amplified when it comes to moral disagreements. When we encounter someone with opposing moral views, we often assume that they must be driven by malevolent intentions. We demonize them, painting them as villains who are out to do harm. This demonization not only dehumanizes the other person, but it also shuts down any possibility of productive dialogue or understanding. Our tendency to demonize those with opposing moral views is rooted in our evolutionary history. In the past, our ancestors lived in small groups where cooperation was essential for survival. Those who strayed from the group's moral code were seen as a threat to the group's cohesion and were ostracized or even killed. This instinct to demonize outsiders helped our ancestors maintain social order and unity. In tod...
Similar Posts
Ambiguity can be a source of ethical strength
Ambiguity, far from being a weakness or something to be feared, can actually serve as a wellspring of ethical fortitude. It is ...
Participating in the lie perpetuates oppression
The behavior of individuals in a society plays a crucial role in either perpetuating or dismantling systems of oppression. When...
The complexity of life can be explained by natural selection
The complexity of life, Dawkins argues, can be fully understood through the lens of natural selection. This theory, first propo...
The perversion of language distorts reality and facilitates manipulation
Language plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. When language is perverted, reality itself b...
Political symbols convey important meaning
Political symbols play a crucial role in conveying the underlying meaning and significance of a political system. These symbols...
Agriculture revolutionized human civilization
The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture was a pivotal moment in human history. It marked a shift from a nomadi...
The concept of "good" and "evil" is fluid and subject to interpretation
In the realm of morality, one must navigate through a landscape that is ever-changing and open to individual interpretation. Wh...
Escaping from prison in Bombay
As I stood within the confines of my cell in Arthur Road Jail, I knew that my only chance for freedom lay in devising a plan to...
Virtue leads to happiness and wellbeing
In the grand scheme of human existence, it is evident that virtue holds a paramount position in the attainment of happiness and...
Use evidence to support your claims
To win arguments, you must arm yourself with evidence. Your claims cannot stand on their own; they need support. Evidence is yo...