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Moral emotions underlie puritanical morality.
1Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. zhuruida@foxmail.com; https://psy.sysu.edu.cn/teacher/1138.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|October 4, 2023
Summary
This study proposes that guilt and shame are key emotions behind puritanical morality. These moral emotions help enforce norms, promoting self-control and cooperation.
Area of Science:
- Moral Psychology
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Previous research established cognitive and evolutionary bases of puritanical morality.
- The emotional underpinnings of puritanical morality remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose moral emotions, specifically guilt and shame, as the emotional foundation of puritanical morality.
- To complement existing theories on the origins of puritanical morality.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical proposition based on existing psychological findings.
- Analysis of the role of moral emotions in norm adherence.
Main Results:
- Guilt and shame emerge subsequent to violations of puritanical norms.
- These moral emotions facilitate enhanced self-control.
- Moral emotions contribute to increased cooperation within social groups.
Conclusions:
- Guilt and shame are proposed as characteristic emotions underlying puritanical morality.
- These emotions play a crucial role in maintaining social order and adherence to puritanical standards.
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