The Theory Of Moral Molecules: What It Is And How It Explains Morality
The Theory of Moral Molecules tries to define morality and give a more neuroscientific vision to the concept of morality, distancing it from the religious determination with which it has commonly been linked and making it possible to approach it through scientific research.
In this article we will talk about Scott Curry’s Theory of Moral Molecules and what it proposes.
We understand by morality the predisposition to cooperation to act jointly to obtain common objectives This concept is of great relevance in our society, since human beings live together, sharing the same space and time and it is important that we cooperate and respect each other so that we can all live adequately and be able to prosper and develop as a species. In this way, morality would indicate what behaviors are appropriate, how we should behave, how to maintain peace and the common good.
With the purpose of achieving common benefit, the moral regulations have been established to act in cooperation and to be able to evaluate the behavior of others, according to whether it is appropriate or not. Although these norms are linked to social learning, there can also be individual influence characteristic of each individual, and show a link with genetics, such as instinctive behavior.
game theory
Game Theory shows a relationship with the consideration of morality as a process of cooperation Given the game situation, two ways of acting can be proposed, one that seeks to win oneself and make the other lose and the other that seeks cooperation, joint action, to achieve a common benefit, that both win.
Regarding the first situation, where we see that the victory of one of the subjects means the loss of the other individual, it is called zero sum. We could consider this case not very moral, since it does not seek cooperation between the two but rather to be above the other person.
On the other hand, the second situation, where an attempt is made for both subjects to win, does perceive moral consideration; through cooperation, an attempt is made for both participants to win, without being able to differentiate between winner and loser. Likewise, the way of playing that allows both participants to win is multiple, that is, There is no single way to benefit both subjects but we can propose different ways of acting.
What is the Molecular Theory of Morals?
If we take into account the definition of morality, we will say that A person acts morally if he tries to cooperate with other people On the other hand, we will say that it is immoral if it acts selfishly, only keeping in mind its own benefit and well-being.
We must understand morality as a dimension, that is, we do not consider that a subject is moral or not, but rather we value the different degree of morality that they show or the different type of morality.
The Molecular Theory of Morality proposes the existence of different molecules that would explain the appearance of morality or the type of morality, depending on the combinations that occur between the different molecules Let’s see then what molecules linked to morality Scott Curry, author of this theory, proposes to us.
1. Family love
One of the factors to consider a subject as morally good is to value his relationship with his family, how he behaves with them and if he feels esteem. In this way, there is a tendency to favor people who are related, with whom we share genes.
2. I respect authority
Respect for authority is understood as respecting superiors. It is common for individuals in a society to place themselves in hierarchies, whether they are more explicit hierarchies such as positions or workplace and other more implicit ones, such as older people, who are older than oneself. The idea that we should respect older people is known at a social level
3. Loyalty to the group
A fundamental component of cooperating is being loyal to others, to the group, in order to work together to achieve benefits for everyone. Acting morally consists of prioritize group benefits before one’s own
For two or more subjects to be able to cooperate, it is necessary that both work to achieve this purpose, that is, that both try to act in a joint and related manner to achieve the common goal. We could describe it as parallel but related behavior; both act at the same level, we do not distinguish a leader or someone who contributes more to the relationship they do it equally.
5. Courage
Acting with courage and bravery are two traits that are linked to acting in compliance with morality, since sometimes the easiest option can be to behave selfishly, without taking other subjects into account. We must show a fighting spirit.
6. Justice
Acting fairly is also a component to take into account to behave according to morality In this way, we will not value behaviors according to whether they benefit us and suit us but rather according to whether they are fair, we will act fairly according to established social norms.
7. Respect for other people’s property
In the same way that we have to be respectful of others, we must also take care of their property, that is, not take advantage of their property, but respect what is theirs and not try to get part of it. In other words, it is not proper to steal and, therefore, you should not engage in this behavior.
Combinations in morality
The Molecular Theory of Morality suggests that there will be different types of morality according to the different types of cooperation, also taking into account different cultures, since they value cooperation differently and, therefore, will show different moral norms. We see then how we will not only speak of different morality according to the molecule that makes it up but also according to the combination of molecules that is made. In other words, the elements mentioned above such as love for family members or respect for authority can be linked to give rise to the moral regulations that: we must respect our parents and grandparents, our older relatives.
Combinations not only allow the union of two terms but also multiple ones, even relating the 7 elements, giving a total of 127 possible combinations. Some of these unions are not yet described; in order to identify them, a periodic table similar to the table of chemical elements has been created, but to locate the moral molecules. In this way, it is intended that different cultures participate to give rise to a model of morality worldwide.
This theory of morality breaks with the importance given to religion, seeks to define the concept and propose a neuroscientific study of morality It is common that in the different cultures where different religions are present, morality is presented as a mandate from God as well-established norms and laws, which you must follow if you want to be a good believer. It will try to modify the religious determination and propose a conception of morality as a social construction, of the group, that is, norms are established that must be met as a group, giving priority to these regulations rather than personal interests or will. In this way, we try to establish rules that allow us to live in harmony.
Morality is important for the optimal functioning of society, that is, to be able to live in a community. We need the establishment of regulations that indicate what is valued as positive or good and what we value as negative. We acquire these moral norms from a young age and little by little we integrate them as our We could value morality as an implicit regulation, which people already take for granted, understanding them as basic laws.
As we have already seen, each culture will show distinction in the type of morality, giving rise to different types of combinations, although ultimately we observe the 7 basic elements universally in different social groups. We thus consider that there is a basic regulation so that society can function, despite observing amoral behaviors, which break the commitment to cooperation and demonstrate the most selfish tendency that human beings can present.
