Morality.

Area of Science:

• Moral psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Evolutionary psychology
• Neuroscience
• Social psychology

Background:

• Moral psychology has two main historical lines: developmental (Piaget) and modern (1990s synthesis of evolutionary, neurological, and social-psychological research).
• Both lineages are influenced by 19th-century narratives of modernity: individual liberation versus loss of community.
• Current moral psychology primarily focuses on the 'liberation' narrative's moral domain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the historical influences shaping contemporary moral psychology.
• To identify limitations in current moral psychology research based on historical narratives.
• To propose future research directions for a more inclusive moral psychology.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of philosophical and psychological narratives.
• Conceptual review of moral psychology research.
• Argumentative essay synthesizing historical context and current research.

Main Results:

• Both major lines of moral psychology are shaped by the 19th-century "liberation narrative."
• This focus limits research to a specific moral domain, often neglecting group-oriented morality.
• The "loss of community" narrative and its associated moral perspectives are underrepresented.

Conclusions:

• Moral psychology should expand its scope beyond the liberation narrative.
• Future research should investigate alternative moral perspectives, especially religious and politically conservative ones.
• Incorporating group protection, institutional integrity, and spiritual well-being is crucial for a comprehensive moral psychology.