How Time, Space, and Authority Figures Influence Your Moral Compass
The Malleability of Moral Judgment
For centuries, philosophers and psychologists have debated the nature of morality, arguing that certain moral principles are universal and unchanging. However, recent research suggests that our moral judgments are far more flexible than previously thought.
A study conducted by an international team of researchers found that people’s moral judgments are significantly influenced by factors such as time, space, and authority figures. For instance, people tend to judge actions as less morally wrong if they occurred a long time ago or far away. Additionally, they are more likely to approve of actions if an influential leader in their community endorses them.
The Role of Community
According to the researchers, these shifts in moral judgment are driven by our evolved psychology, which motivates us to follow and enforce a set of rules within our community. By establishing a reputation for high morality, we increase our chances of being included in cooperative ventures that enhance our survival.
However, there are limits to the extent to which we should enforce moral codes. When it comes to events that happened far away or long ago, there is little benefit to expressing outrage, as it does not directly affect our community. Instead, we should focus on enforcing moral codes when it is relevant to our community and there is a tangible cost to doing so.
The Influence of Authority Figures
People of high importance in their communities, such as tribal leaders or political figures, have a significant impact on shaping moral norms. Our psychology is attuned to the opinions of these leaders, and we tend to adjust our own moral judgments to align with theirs.
Moral Parochialism and the Power of Social Media
While moral philosophers argue that we should apply moral principles universally, research shows that people are often morally parochial, meaning they judge actions differently depending on the time and place in which they occur. This is partly due to our evolved psychology, which prioritizes the needs of our local community.
However, social media has the potential to challenge our moral parochialism by exposing us to injustices happening far away. By making these events seem more local, social media can tap into our inherent psychology and motivate us to express moral outrage.
The Challenge of Global Morality
In an increasingly interconnected world, we face the challenge of balancing local and global moral concerns. On the one hand, we have a responsibility to address injustices happening anywhere in the world. On the other hand, we must also prioritize the needs of our local community.
To achieve a more universal sense of moral outrage, we need to recognize that we are all part of a single global community. By working together and using the power of social media, we can create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their location or circumstances.