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Finding faults: how moral dilemmas illuminate cognitive structure
Fiery Cushman1, Joshua D Greene
1a Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA.
Social Neuroscience
|September 28, 2011
Summary
Moral philosophy debates arise from conflicting psychological systems. Understanding these cognitive mechanisms can resolve complex ethical dilemmas and guide neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Moral Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Philosophical traditions grapple with persistent moral dilemmas.
- These dilemmas may stem from competing underlying psychological systems.
- Such debates offer insights into dissociable cognitive mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between philosophical moral dilemmas and psychological systems.
- To use philosophical discord as a guide for cognitive neuroscience research.
- To analyze features of mental conflict contributing to philosophical disagreements.
Main Methods:
- Examined philosophical moral dilemmas as indicators of psychological fault lines.
- Presented case studies from research on moral judgment.
- Analyzed characteristics of mental conflict, including non-negotiability and non-adjudicability.
Main Results:
- Philosophical debates highlight natural divisions between distinct psychological mechanisms.
- Case studies illustrate dilemmas in utilitarian choices and accidental harm.
- Non-negotiability and non-adjudicability are key features of mental conflict in moral discord.
Conclusions:
- Philosophical moral dilemmas provide a valuable framework for cognitive neuroscience.
- Understanding competing psychological systems is crucial for resolving ethical debates.
- Further research into the cognitive underpinnings of moral judgment is warranted.
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