"Principles of ethics appeal to anyone of good will and intelligence." -- Larry Jost, philosophy professor photo/Lisa Ventre

Of course, humans are good at justifying our actions -- to others and to ourselves. But the reality is: Picking on others, while distasteful, is part of our human nature, explains University of Cincinnati psychologist Hal Fishbein, who wrote an award-winning book on the topic (“Peer prejudice and discrimination: The origins of prejudice”).

“We acquired the predisposition to prejudice and discrimination because we lived as tribal species, as hunters and gatherers for 99 percent of our existence. The most dangerous folks were those who were the neighboring tribe next door.

“So my argument is that there is a genetic/evolutionary predisposition to develop characteristics to survive in that environment. We're still wired that way. Genetically, we're still hunters and gatherers even though we don't need to be.”

UC's Chris Cuomo doesn't argue the point, but begs people to remember they have brains. “We need many more factors in our judgment besides our gut feelings,” she says. “That's why we teach critical thinking across the board at the university. Those skills are crucial.

“Our ethical life in a larger society requires taking in data, talking to each other as fully valuable and respected moral beings. From that conversation, we make a judgment. That's the whole idea of democratic input -- thinking about the good of the community.”

Some people view our polarization and gravitation toward black-and-white answers to be a devastating finish to the human race. The philosophy department's Larry Jost is among the more pessimistic thinkers.

"To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." -- Theodore Roosevelt, 1858-1919

“Americans,” he cautions, “are in the grip of a devastating decline in our basic commitment to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, equality, tolerance to differences of opinion, American values for freedom, an interest in making things better for everyone. George Orwell was off by 20 years. '1984' is the best forecaster for what is happening.”

Cuomo offers an opposing perspective: “The positive news is that this is a growth stage of readjusting to different technological realities. During a time of adjustment, there is always going to be more chaos, which will seem like decay.

“But in that chaos, we also see some really wonderful moments. No matter what side you were on in the election, to see that outpouring of energy and people caring was a good sign. When people get involved, that's always a good sign.

“I value democracy, even though people always screw up. But that involvement is always going to lead to a good place.”

 

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Links:

Earl Hamner shares Hollywood insights

Fishbein's book "Peer Prejudice and Discrimination"

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