ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores social psychological orientation, and it defines morality in terms of social norms and the related sanctions that accompany norm violations. Moral concerns do not occur in some abstract world characterized by ivory tower speculation they are inherently and deeply social. The modern scientific, empirical study of the psychology of morality can primarily be traced to the influential work of Kohlberg some decades ago, who was clearly inspired by Piaget's stage theory of cognitive development. Kohlberg's view predominated for the past several decades. However, Haidt disagreed with a fundamental assumption underlying much of Kohlberg's work that morality generally resulted from rational reasoning of any type. Paradoxical effects of moral beliefs can also be observed closer to home, in social psychology. Moral norms serve not only as guides for behavior, but also as the basis for evaluating our own and others' actions.
