Moral Reasoning Is Generally Done Post-hoc Jonathan Haidt

My research examines the intuitive foundations of morality.

I have found that moral reasoning is generally done post-hoc, to search for confirmation of our fast, automatic intuitive responses.

I am therefore skeptical of the power of reasoning to bring us to the right conclusions, particularly when self-interest or reputational concerns are in play.

I therefore became skeptical of direct approaches to fostering ethical behavior—particularly direct teaching in the classroom.

We can’t just put moral knowledge into our students’ heads, and expect them to implement that knowledge after they leave the classroom.

Credit: Jonathan Haidt