The brighter the light, the deeper the shadow: Morality also fuels aggression, conflict, and violence

Behav Brain Sci. 2018 Jan:41:e98. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X18000031.

Abstract

We argue that, in addition to the positive effects and functionality of morality for interactions among in-group members as outlined in the target article, morality may also fuel aggression and conflict in interactions between morality-based out-groups. We summarize empirical evidence showing that negative cognitions, emotions, and behaviors are particularly likely to appear between out-groups with opposing moral convictions.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Aggression*
  • Humans
  • Ice Cream*
  • Morals
  • National Socialism
  • Violence