What Are We Really Fighting Over? Understanding Outrage Through Moral Psychology

This interview podcast features Michael Shermer interviewing Kurt Gray, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, about his new book, "Outraged." The discussion centers on Gray's theory that all moral judgments stem from a fundamental concern about harm, challenging existing models like Jonathan Haidt's Moral Foundations Theory. Gray argues that political polarization arises from differing perceptions of vulnerability to harm, illustrated by contrasting liberal and conservative views on issues like immigration and abortion. He suggests that effective communication requires a focus on understanding rather than winning, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and acknowledging shared concerns about harm. The interview also touches upon the role of evolved emotions, social structures, and the influence of social media in shaping moral judgments and political divides.