Moral Psychology and the Art of Not Believing Your Own Results

Philosophics — Philosophical and Political Ramblings · Jan 21, 2026 · 17m

Philosopher Bry Willis examines the modern shift in moral psychology, which argues that human beings prioritise instinctual emotions over logical deliberation when making ethical judgements. The author critiques several foundational books in the field, noting a contradiction where researchers prove that reasoning is a secondary, defensive tool, yet still suggest rational dialogue as a solution to social conflict. By using the metaphor of an elephant and a rider, the source illustrates that our subconscious drives dictate our direction while our conscious minds merely justify the path. This…