Module III·Article III·~1 min read
Moral Emotions and Moral Intuition
Metaethics and Normativity
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The Role of Intuition
Joshua Greene and neuroethics: moral judgments rely on two processes — fast intuitive (emotional) and slow rational. The trolley problem activates different neural networks depending on whether it is necessary to physically push a person.
Jonathan Haidt: “moral intuitionism” — most of our moral judgments happen quickly and intuitively, and rational arguments are retrospective justifications. We do not reason our way to a conclusion — we feel the conclusion and then rationalize it.
What to Do with Intuition
Moral intuitions are data. They are the result of evolutionary and cultural learning. Sometimes they are mistaken (intuition saw nothing wrong with slavery in some cultures). But completely ignoring intuition in favor of “pure theory” is also a mistake.
Rawls’s reflective equilibrium: move between theory and intuition, correcting both.
Question for reflection: Recall a moral intuition that you could not rationally justify. Should you trust it? How do you make the decision?
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