Age of rage: the psychology behind our moral outrageAge of rage: the psychology behind our moral outrage
All In The Mind
Politics, war, abortion, gun control — why do some topics make us so outraged? One theory is that our preoccupation with preventing harm is to blame. So today, we examine how humans developed morality, why we differ in what we consider right and wrong, and how that drives us to moral outrage. And after all of that, we'll find out how to have better conversations with people you disagree with (even if you're feeling outraged). If you want to hear more about that, check out The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too.
29:06•25 Jan 2025
Why We Get So Outraged: The Psychology Behind Moral Convictions
Episode Overview
- Our sense of morality and preoccupation with preventing harm fuel our anger.
- Different views on who is most vulnerable to harm drive intense disagreements.
- Understanding these concerns can help us communicate more effectively.
- Practical tips include connecting, inviting, and validating others' perspectives.
- Personal anecdotes illustrate the impact of moral convictions.
“We both felt convinced that we were the victims in that situation”
Ever wondered why some topics make your blood boil? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', Sana Khadar and guest Kurt Gray dive into the psychology behind our moral outrage. From road rage to heated political debates, they explore how our sense of morality and preoccupation with preventing harm fuel our anger. Kurt shares a gripping personal story about a near-miss car accident that left both parties feeling victimised, highlighting how our perceptions of harm shape our moral convictions.
They discuss how these convictions lead to intense disagreements on issues like abortion and gun control, driven by differing views on who is most vulnerable to harm. Kurt explains that understanding these underlying concerns can help us have better conversations with those we disagree with. He offers practical tips on how to connect, invite, and validate others' perspectives, making it easier to find common ground.
If you've ever found yourself in a heated argument, this episode provides valuable insights into why we get so outraged and how we can communicate more effectively.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.