Earp, B D., Calcott, R., et al. (in press).
In S. Laham (ed.), Handbook of
Ethics and Social Psychology.
Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.
Abstract
Moral psychology research often frames participant judgments in terms of adherence to abstract principles, such as utilitarianism or Kant's categorical imperative, and focuses on hypothetical interactions between strangers. However, real-world moral judgments typically involve concrete evaluations of known individuals within specific social relationships. Acknowledging this, a growing number of moral psychologists are shifting their focus to the study of moral judgment in social-relational contexts. This chapter provides an overview of recent work in this area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and describes a new 'relational norms' model of moral judgment developed by the authors and colleagues. The
discussion is situated within influential philosophical theories of human morality that emphasize relational context, and suggests that these theories should receive more attention from moral psychologists. The chapter concludes by exploring future applications of relational-moral frameworks, such as modeling and predicting norms and judgments related to human-AI cooperation.
It's a great chapter. Here are some thoughts:
The field of moral psychology is undergoing a significant shift, known as the "relational turn." This movement recognizes that real-world morality is deeply embedded in social relationships, rather than being based solely on impartial principles and abstract dilemmas. Researchers are now focusing on the intricate web of social roles, group memberships, and interpersonal dynamics that shape our everyday moral experiences.
Traditional Western philosophical traditions, such as utilitarianism and Kantian deontology, have emphasized impartiality as a cornerstone of moral reasoning. However, empirical evidence suggests that moral judgments are influenced by factors like group membership, relationship type, and social context. This challenges the idea that moral principles should be applied uniformly, regardless of the individuals involved.
The relational context of a situation greatly impacts our moral judgments. For example, helping a stranger move might be seen as kind, but missing work for it seems excessive. Similarly, expecting payment for helping a family member feels at odds with the implicit rules of familial relationships. Philosophical perspectives such as Confucianism, African moral traditions, and feminist care ethics support the importance of relationships in shaping moral norms and obligations.
Evolutionary theory provides a compelling explanation for why relationships matter in moral decision-making. Our moral instincts likely evolved to solve coordination problems and reduce conflict within social groups, primarily consisting of family, kin, and close allies. This "friends-and-family cooperation bias" has led to the development of specific moral norms tailored to different relationship categories.
Research in relational morality highlights the importance of understanding the structure and dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Various relational models, such as Fiske's Relationship Regulation Theory, propose that different relationships are associated with specific moral motives. However, real-life relationships are complex and multifaceted, drawing on multiple models simultaneously.
The developmental trajectory of relational morality suggests that even young children display a preference for friends and family in resource allocation tasks. However, the ability to make nuanced moral judgments based on social roles and relationship types emerges gradually with age.
Emerging research areas within relational morality include impartial beneficence, moral obligations to future generations, and the psychological underpinnings of extending moral concern to strangers and future generations. By shifting focus from abstract principles to social relationships, researchers can develop more nuanced and ecologically valid models of moral judgment and behavior.
This relational turn promises to deepen our understanding of the social and evolutionary roots of human morality, shedding light on the complex interplay between personal connections and our sense of right and wrong. By recognizing the importance of relationships in moral decision-making, researchers can develop more effective strategies for promoting moral growth, cooperation, and well-being.
