Citizen Engagement

Comment

Comment by Tom Jarmyn on March 29, 2009 at 11:35am

In addition to Haidt's presentation at Ted 2008 he has done a lot of cutting edge work on the moral foundations of happiness as well. His homepage has some very interesting links to his projects on the study of morals and moral views as they relate to certain professions and groups.

Interestingly enough he draws correlations between political views and moral views but also with certain professions and moral approaches.

Comment by Phillip Newsome on March 29, 2009 at 8:13am

The real difference between liberals and conservativesPsychologist Jonathan Haidt studies morality and emotion in the context of culture. He asks: Why did humans evolve to have morals -- and why did we all evolve to have such different morals, to the point that our moral differences may make us deadly enemies? It's a question with deep repercussions in war and peace -- and in modern politics, where reasoned discourse has been replaced by partisan anger and cries of "You just don't get it!"
Haidt asks, "Can't we all disagree more constructively?" He suggests we might build a more civil and productive discourse by understanding the moral psychology of those we disagree with, and committing to a more civil political process. He's also active in the study of positive psychology and human flourishing.

In his presentation at the 2008 TED conference Johnathan made a strong plea for Conservatives and Liberals to open themselves to the other's view of morality. It is an interesting and entertaining talk that can be viewed at the link below

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind.html