Moral Instinct and Judgment Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a sphere of the moral sense, according to the text?

  • Loyalty (correct)
  • Authority
  • Fairness
  • Purity

What emotion is triggered by potential disease vectors?

  • Anger
  • Gratitude
  • Sympathy
  • Disgust (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a moral emotion associated with fairness, according to the text?

  • Anger
  • Sympathy
  • Shame (correct)
  • Guilt

What is the biological explanation for the moral sense of fairness, as discussed in the text?

<p>Reciprocal altruism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of anger, as a moral emotion, according to the text?

<p>To punish cheaters who accept a favor without reciprocating (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following is an example of the purity-defilement sphere of the moral sense?

<p>Feeling disgusted by a contaminated food item (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text explain the moral sense of authority?

<p>It has roots in the dominance hierarchies observed in the animal kingdom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the text concerning the five spheres of the moral sense?

<p>They have deep evolutionary roots and are ubiquitous across cultures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is a key characteristic of behaviors that have been "moralized"?

<p>They are typically viewed as immoral by society and subject to social stigma. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT cited as an example of a behavior that has been "amoralized" in the passage?

<p>Gambling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main point regarding the "Law of Conservation of Moralization"?

<p>As society sheds moral restrictions on some behaviors, it tends to impose them on others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author suggests that the moralization of smoking is a "practical tactic" to reduce harm. What specific harm is he referring to?

<p>The harmful consequences of secondhand smoke on non-smokers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a recently moralized behavior, as discussed in the passage?

<p>Using disposable diapers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, why are some behaviors that might be considered risky or harmful not typically treated as "morally wrong"?

<p>Society generally accepts some level of personal risk as inevitable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The passage suggests that the moralization of a behavior is not solely determined by the degree of harm it causes. What other factor does the author cite as contributing to "moralization"?

<p>The emotional response elicited by the behavior. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the author's overall tone in the passage?

<p>Analytical and insightful. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver behind the emergence of genuine generosity, according to the text?

<p>The pressure to develop a reputation for fairness and generosity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does the text suggest is employed by those who want to appear generous but are not?

<p>They inflate their reputation without backing it up with genuine actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a strategy discussed in the text as a way to interact in social exchanges?

<p>Offering favors with the expectation of receiving benefits in return. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the 'arms race' between those trying to appear generous and those trying to detect hypocrisy?

<p>It ultimately benefits those who are genuinely generous, making them the most successful. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the article, what is the significance of the diverse strategies used by individuals in social exchanges?

<p>They create a complex environment with opportunities for both exploitation and altruism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea that the author is trying to convey through the use of an 'ecosystem of niches' analogy?

<p>The evolution of morality is a complex process with multiple contributing factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'grudging reciprocators' in the ecosystem of social strategies?

<p>They represent a compromise between complete selflessness and total selfishness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text support the idea that morality is not a figment?

<p>By demonstrating that genuine generosity can evolve through natural selection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is a key difference between liberals and conservatives in their moral frameworks?

<p>Liberals prioritize harm and fairness, while conservatives prioritize group loyalty, authority, and purity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by stating that "the institutions of modernity often question and experiment with the way activities are assigned to moral spheres"?

<p>Modern institutions, like markets and science, often challenge traditional moral values by introducing new ways of thinking about right and wrong. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the author's discussion regarding the psychologist Philip Tetlock's research on taboo?

<p>People often have strong emotional reactions when their moral beliefs or assumptions are challenged. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of the "morally corrosive" nature of institutions like science and market economies, as described in the text?

<p>A sense of moral confusion and uncertainty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's perspective on the scientific study of morality?

<p>The author believes it is an important but challenging undertaking. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT presented as an example of a 'bone of contention' in the text?

<p>The role of government in regulating the economy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental source of disagreement between liberals and conservatives?

<p>Different understandings of the relative importance of various moral spheres. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument the author is presenting in this excerpt?

<p>Liberals and conservatives have fundamentally different moral frameworks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the main function of the 'universal moral grammar'?

<p>To provide a framework for understanding and judging human behavior. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is offered to support the idea that morality emerges early in childhood?

<p>The observation of toddlers engaging in spontaneous acts of kindness and empathy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinction do preschoolers understand, according to psychologists Elliot Turiel and Judith Smetana?

<p>The difference between rules based on societal conventions and rules based on moral principles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between 'conscientiousness' and 'agreeableness' to the study of morality?

<p>These traits suggest that moral behavior may have a genetic basis, based on twin studies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the observation of individuals with 'antisocial personality disorder' or 'psychopathy' suggest regarding morality?

<p>That these disorders may indicate a deficit or impairment in the development of a moral sense. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the analogy between 'universal grammar' and 'universal moral grammar'?

<p>Both grammar and morality are innate, suggesting a biological foundation for both concepts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the passage regarding the 'moral sense'?

<p>To explore evidence suggesting that morality is an innate human capacity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest contributes to the development of a moral sense?

<p>It involves a complex interplay of both innate and learned factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument the author makes against relying on 'repugnance' to guide moral decisions?

<p>Repugnance is a subjective feeling that can be easily manipulated and does not provide a reliable moral compass. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example used by the author to illustrate how moralization can hinder progress?

<p>The implementation of strict regulations on artificial insemination. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of moralizing problems that are essentially practical in nature?

<p>It can hinder progress on finding effective solutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author criticizes a specific viewpoint expressed by Leon Kass. What is that viewpoint?

<p>Kass argues that we should always rely on our gut instincts when making moral decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest as a more effective approach to addressing the threat of human-induced climate change?

<p>Promoting a sense of collective responsibility and seeking solutions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the dangers of moralization?

<p>It can prevent people from having open and honest discussions about sensitive topics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main purpose in citing the examples of autopsies, vaccinations, and blood transfusions?

<p>To highlight the importance of challenging moral assumptions and embracing progress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest as a more effective approach to resolving practical problems?

<p>Seeking out practical solutions and avoiding moralizing the issue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Moralization of smoking

Smoking, once seen as a personal choice, is now treated as immoral due to health risks.

Amoralization

The shift of behaviors from moral failings to lifestyle choices, losing their negative connotations.

Cultural right's lament

The concern of conservative groups that morality is being undermined by changing societal norms.

Law of Conservation of Moralization

As some behaviors are de-moralized, new ones are added to the moral list by society.

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Rebranding of behaviors

Changing the labels of behaviors, e.g., 'bums' to 'homeless' or 'drug addiction' to a 'disease'.

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Punitive damages

Financial penalties imposed on entities, like tobacco companies, for harmful actions.

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Moral battlegrounds

Modern controversies about daily choices, such as food and parenting practices, framed ethically.

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Secondhand smoke moralization

Recognition of the dangers of secondhand smoke leading to moral condemnation of smoking behavior.

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Trolleyology

The study of complex moral dilemmas involving choices that affect lives.

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Universal Moral Grammar

Innate moral instincts that influence our understanding of right and wrong.

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Human Universals

Common moral concepts shared across different cultures and societies.

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Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

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Moral Development in Childhood

Children begin to understand and differentiate moral principles early in life.

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Conscientiousness

A personality trait associated with being organized, responsible, and hardworking.

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Antisocial Personality Disorder

A condition characterized by a chronic pattern of disregard for the rights of others.

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Judith Smetana

Psychologist known for studying children's moral development.

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Purity Violations

Acts that breach societal standards of cleanliness or morality, leading to judgment by others.

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Moral Vegetarians

Individuals who avoid meat to uphold moral standards regarding animal welfare and purity.

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Respect for Authority

An inclination to obey or defer to perceived leaders, rooted in social hierarchies.

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Purity-Defilement Contrast

The moral distinction that evokes disgust and influences behavior, especially regarding hygiene and sexuality.

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Reciprocal Altruism

A social concept where individuals help others, with the expectation of future help in return.

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Moral Emotions

Emotional responses guiding moral behavior, such as sympathy, anger, and guilt.

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Guilt

A moral emotion experienced when one feels responsible for wrongdoing, prompting correction.

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Tit-for-tat reciprocity

A strategy where individuals respond to others' actions with similar actions, promoting cooperation.

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Cheaters in reciprocity

Individuals who accept favors without returning them, undermining cooperation.

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Generous reciprocators

Partners who return favors generously, promoting their desirability as recipients.

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Stingy reciprocators

Partners who return the smallest favors, limiting their attractiveness in social exchanges.

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Reputation for fairness

An individual's perceived reliability in being fair and generous, becoming a social asset.

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Niches in morality

Different roles or strategies within a social ecosystem, like generous, grudging, or cheating characters.

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Genuine self-sacrifice

Choosing to act morally without expecting benefits, stemming from true character.

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Hypocrisy in reputation

The gap between how individuals behave and how they want to be perceived regarding generosity.

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Moral Weight

The importance placed on different ethical values by individuals or groups.

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Haidt's Survey Findings

Liberals emphasize harm and fairness, while conservatives value all five moral spheres.

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Moral Spheres

Categories like harm, fairness, group loyalty, authority, and purity in moral reasoning.

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Taboo Mentality

The belief that certain thoughts or behaviors are morally forbidden.

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Philip Tetlock's Experiment

Studies showing outrage when questioning moral assignments to certain practices.

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Moral Corrosion

The belief that modern institutions sometimes undermine moral values.

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Modern Institutions

Organizations like markets and science that challenge traditional moral assignments.

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Dissecting Moral Intuitions

The analytical approach to understanding our natural ethical feelings and beliefs.

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Morality vs. Purity

Confusing moral values with ideas of purity, status, and conformity.

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Moral Crusades

Framing practical issues as moral issues, leading to punitive approaches.

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The Shudder Test

Using feelings of repugnance to evaluate moral issues, like cloning.

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Taboos in Discussion

Imposing restrictions that make certain ideas difficult to discuss openly.

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Repugnance and Progress

Historical repugnance has often hindered beneficial medical practices.

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Moralization Hazards

Viewing problems purely through a moral lens, obscuring practical solutions.

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Moralism in Climate Change

The rise of moral arguments in discussions about human-induced climate change.

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Villain vs. Fix

The tendency to identify villains rather than seek practical solutions to errors.

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Study Notes

The Moral Instinct

  • People find ranking moral figures difficult, despite the obvious differences in their actions.
  • Norman Borlaug saved a billion lives via the "Green Revolution" (agricultural advancements).
  • Bill Gates focused his philanthropic efforts on fighting global diseases.
  • Mother Teresa's work focused on prayer and harsh conditions in missions.
  • Moral judgments differ from other opinions on behavior.
  • Moralization is a psychological state, similar to a switch, that can be turned on or off.
  • Moral rules invoke universal and objective warrants.
  • Those who act immorally deserve punishment.

Moralization Switch

  • Moral rules are viewed as universal.
  • People who commit immoral acts deserve punishment.

Reasoning and Rationalizing

  • Moral judgments have questionable reasoning.
  • People often rationalize their conclusions after they have been made.
  • Moral vegetarians avoid meat due to ethical reasons.
  • Smoking has recently been moralized, due to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
  • Many behaviors have been amoralized (e.g., divorce, illegitimacy).

A Universal Morality

  • Moral sense is innate and universal.
  • Human universals include right and wrong, empathy, fairness, admiration of generosity, and more.
  • Moral concepts emerge early in childhood.
  • Moral concerns include harm, fairness, community, authority, and purity.
  • Researchers have attempted to measure how much people would be willing to pay to engage in questionable behaviors.

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Related Documents

The Moral Instinct PDF by Steven Pinker

Description

Explore the complexities of moral instincts and judgments in this quiz. Delve into how figures like Norman Borlaug and Mother Teresa are perceived in moral terms, and understand the influence of moralization on human behavior. Test your knowledge on the psychological aspects of moral reasoning and rationalization.

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