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Moral Psychology, Dual-Process Theory, and Psychopathology

Griffiths, Cara Veronica
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9335-186X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1564526866237073

Abstract Details

2019, MA, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Philosophy.
While studying psychology is helpful in moral theorizing, we must ensure that it is done properly and that conclusions are not drawn too hastily. Joshua Greene uses research about how people make moral judgements as a part of his defense of utilitarianism. Greene claims that competing moral judgement systems create the tension between utilitarianism and deontology, a tension that has caused widespread moral disagreement. In this thesis, I will argue that Greene’s dismissal of deontological moral theory is premature insofar as the relationship between the dual-process theory and moral theory is weak. In order to illustrate this, I begin by explicating Greene’s argument as well as highlighting philosophical origins and presuppositions in his theory. Next, I examine the research applying Greene’s method of study and model of moral judgement applied to psychopaths. Applying Greene’s model to psychopaths raises questions about his methodology that extends to typical individuals. These issues concern the nature of his thought experiments, coding scheme, and underlying philosophical commitments. In the final chapter, I examine how these methodological issues function to weaken Greene’s overall argument in favor of utilitarianism. I will argue that some of these flaws raise issues for incorporating empirical psychology into moral psychology more broadly.
Deborah Barnbaum (Advisor)
Andreea Smaranda Aldea (Committee Member)
Polycarp Ikuenobe (Committee Member)
John Dunlosky (Committee Member)
107 p.
Ethics; Philosophy; Psychology
moral psychology; ethics; dual-process theory; philosophy; deontology; utilitarianism; moral theory; moral judgement; psychopaths; experimental philosophy

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Griffiths, C. V. (2019). Moral Psychology, Dual-Process Theory, and Psychopathology [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1564526866237073

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Griffiths, Cara. Moral Psychology, Dual-Process Theory, and Psychopathology. 2019. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1564526866237073.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Griffiths, Cara. "Moral Psychology, Dual-Process Theory, and Psychopathology." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1564526866237073

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1564526866237073
426
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.