About this Book

Morality refers to a set of values relating to right conduct, against which behavior is judged to be acceptable or unacceptable. It is a form of social norms that guides human behaviors. Morality forms a fundamental part of our culture, but there is a great range of variation in moral standards and the things we value in each given culture. Behavior that is completely normal to Westerners, such as choosing a job or partner at one’s individual will, could be considered immoral in other cultures.

People are rewarded with money and reputations if they exhibit moral actions approved by cultural expectations and are punished by sanctions for moral violations. We also attribute positive feedback to people we consider moral (e.g., empathetic, filial) and negative feedback to those we consider immoral (untrustworthy, disgusting). Thus, it is important to study the psychological antecedents, processes, and outcomes of morality.