Morality in Terms of Utility

Humanity’s sense of morality is built on evolution and cultural experiences. We often respond to situations around us automatically, without really thinking them through. But when it comes to moral dilemmas, this won’t lead to the best result. Prioritizing our own interests often leads to poorer outcomes than cooperating would and also results in the tragedy of the commons. This is why careful moral reasoning is necessary, especially when it comes to contentious, impactful topics.

What you can do:

Confront your ignorance and encourage others to do the same.

Controversial real-world moral problems, such as global warming and the healthcare system, are very complex. Despite that, people often maintain strong opinions on these subjects even when they don’t grasp the fundamentals. Maybe you’re one of them? Force yourself to justify why you disagree with a specific policy, and, if you struggle, accept your ignorance on the matter. You may even find yourself being more receptive to others’ views as a result.

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