A critique of how moral differences drive political and religious division
In short: A review of Jonathan Haidt's book, The Righteous Mind, examines the idea that political animosity stems from liberals and conservatives holding different, yet equally sincere, moral frameworks. The authors explore Haidt's claim that these divides are rooted in psychology, genetics, and sociobiology.
While the review acknowledges the noble goal of reducing political hostility by understanding opposing moral views, the authors argue that Haidt's primary explanations and conclusions are insufficient. This paper serves as a theoretical critique of Haidt's arguments rather than an empirical study of human behavior.
Why it matters: Understanding that opponents hold sincere but different moral views may reduce animosity, though the scientific basis for these claims remains debated.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: LaFollette and Woodruff (2013). The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. Philosophical Psychology.
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