The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion is a book by Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist who studies morality and its role in society. The book is an exploration of why people have such strong and often opposing beliefs about politics, religion, and morality.
Haidt argues that humans are not primarily rational beings, but rather intuitive ones, and that our moral beliefs are rooted in our emotions and intuitions rather than in reason. He introduces the concept of "moral foundations," a set of six underlying values that guide our moral reasoning: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression.
The book explores how these moral foundations differ between liberals and conservatives, and how they can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Haidt also discusses the role of group identity, the importance of understanding others' perspectives, and the challenges of moral humility.
Throughout the book, Haidt draws on research from psychology, sociology, and anthropology, as well as from his own experiences as a social psychologist and political commentator.
He argues that by understanding the underlying moral foundations that drive our beliefs, we can better understand and engage with those who hold different views. He also suggests ways in which individuals and communities can work to bridge political and cultural divides.
The book has been praised for its insights into the nature of morality and its influence on our political and cultural beliefs. It has also been criticized for its emphasis on individual psychology and its lack of attention to structural and systemic factors that contribute to inequality and injustice.
However, many readers have found the book to be a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the complexities of human morality and the challenges of living in a diverse and divided society.
Overall, The Righteous Mind offers a valuable perspective on the nature of morality and its role in shaping our political and cultural beliefs. It challenges readers to reflect on their own moral foundations and to consider how they can work to build bridges across divides.
It is recommended for anyone interested in the psychology of morality, political polarization, and the challenges of living in a diverse and divided society.
✔ Author(s): Jonathan Haidt
✔ Title: The Righteous Mind
✔ Rating : 4.6 out of 5 base on (10086 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 0307455777
✔ ISBN-13: 9780307455772
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
Virginia Savage
What an intellectual journey! The themes explored in this book challenged my perceptions and sparked introspection. It's refreshing to read a book that provokes such thought.
Katherine Stevenson
The rich historical context of the book added a layer of depth that I found fascinating. It was like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand.
Rosa Bax
The themes of resilience and hope resonated deeply with me. This book taught me valuable life lessons that I'll carry with me for years to come.
