Just Babies

1. Babies Possess an Innate Moral Sense

The moral sense, or conscience, is as much a part of man as his leg or arm.

Early moral understanding. Research indicates that babies as young as three months old exhibit a rudimentary moral sense, demonstrating a preference for helpful individuals over those who hinder others. This suggests that certain moral foundations are not solely acquired through learning but are, to some extent, products of biological evolution. These foundations include the capacity to distinguish between kind and cruel actions.

Helper/hinderer studies. Experiments involving puppet shows where geometrical figures either help or hinder each other reveal that infants consistently prefer the "helper" puppet. This preference is not merely a response to the shapes or colors of the puppets but to the social interactions they portray. Babies look longer at the "nice" puppet and often reach for it.

Implications for moral development. These findings challenge the traditional view that morality is solely a product of socialization. Instead, they suggest that humans are born with a basic moral toolkit that is then shaped and refined by experience and culture. This innate moral sense provides a foundation for the development of more complex moral reasoning and behavior later in life.

2. Empathy and Compassion Are Distinct but Intertwined

How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.

Defining empathy and compassion. Empathy involves vicariously experiencing another person's feelings, while compassion entails feeling concern for their well-being and a desire to alleviate their suffering. While empathy can be a powerful motivator for compassion, it is not always necessary or sufficient. One can feel empathy without acting compassionately, and vice versa.

The role of mirror neurons. Mirror neurons, which fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing that action, are often cited as the neural basis for empathy. However, the relationship between mirror neurons and empathy is complex and not fully understood. Empathy is also influenced by what one thinks of the other person.

Compassion in action. Even very young children exhibit compassionate behaviors, such as soothing others in distress and spontaneously helping adults with tasks. These actions suggest that compassion is not solely a learned behavior but has roots in our innate social nature.

3. Fairness and Equality Are Instinctive, but Self-Interest Persists

Robin Hood had it right. Humanity’s deepest wish is to spread the wealth.

Early sense of fairness. Studies show that even infants have a rudimentary sense of fairness, preferring equal distributions of resources and reacting negatively to unequal outcomes. This suggests that a concern for fairness is an innate human tendency. However, this concern for fairness is not always altruistic.

The Ultimatum Game. The Ultimatum Game, where one player proposes how to split a sum of money and the other player can accept or reject the offer, demonstrates that people are willing to forgo personal gain to punish unfair behavior. This suggests that a sense of fairness can override self-interest.

Self-interest and spite. While people may strive for equality in some situations, self-interest often prevails. Children, in particular, are more likely to object to unfairness when they are the ones receiving less. In some cases, they may even prefer to destroy resources rather than allow someone else to have more.

4. Our Moral Circle Is Limited by Nature

The soul selects its own society / Then shuts the door.

In-group preference. Humans naturally favor those who are similar to them, whether based on kinship, language, or arbitrary group membership. This in-group preference can lead to biases and discrimination against those who are perceived as "other." Babies prefer to look at faces of their own race.

The coalition theory. The coalition theory suggests that race is not inherently meaningful but becomes salient as a cue for identifying group membership. People are more likely to favor those who belong to the same coalition, regardless of their race or other physical characteristics.

Overcoming limitations. While our moral circle may be limited by nature, it is not fixed. Through education, exposure to diverse perspectives, and conscious effort, we can expand our circle of concern to include those who are different from us.

5. Disgust Can Corrupt Our Moral Judgments

These are not Menschen, human beings, but animals, it’s as clear as day.

The power of disgust. Disgust is a powerful emotion that can lead to dehumanization and cruelty. By associating certain groups with filth, disease, or other repulsive qualities, it becomes easier to justify violence and discrimination against them.

Core disgust. Core disgust is triggered by substances such as feces, vomit, and rotten flesh. This evolved as a protective mechanism to prevent us from consuming harmful substances. However, disgust can also be triggered by people, particularly those who are seen as violating social norms or threatening our sense of purity.

Moral implications. Disgust can corrupt our moral judgments, leading us to view certain behaviors or groups as inherently immoral. This can have devastating consequences, as seen in the rhetoric used to justify genocide and other atrocities.

6. Family Bonds Hold a Unique Moral Status

Every man is, no doubt, by nature, first and principally recommended to his own care; and as he is fitter to take care of himself than of any other person, it is fit and right that it should be so.

Kinship altruism. Family bonds are a fundamental aspect of human morality. We are naturally inclined to care for our close relatives, and this inclination has deep evolutionary roots. This is because relatives share genes, so kindness to kin is, in a very real way, kindness to oneself.

Moral obligations to family. Our moral obligations to family members often outweigh our obligations to strangers. We are expected to prioritize the well-being of our children, parents, and siblings, even at a cost to ourselves.

The limits of kinship. While family bonds are important, they can also be a source of conflict and injustice. Overly strong loyalty to family can lead to nepotism, corruption, and the exclusion of others.

7. Reason and Culture Can Expand Our Moral Horizons

As you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

The role of reason. Reason plays a crucial role in expanding our moral horizons. By engaging in moral deliberation, we can identify inconsistencies in our beliefs, challenge our biases, and develop more inclusive and impartial moral principles.

The power of culture. Culture shapes our moral values and norms. Through stories, traditions, and social institutions, we learn to care about those who are outside our immediate circle of concern.

The importance of impartiality. Impartiality, the principle that everyone should be treated equally, is a cornerstone of many ethical systems. By striving for impartiality, we can overcome our natural biases and create a more just and equitable society.

Last updated: February 8, 2025