392. Outraged with Kurt Gray

Psychologists Off the Clock

Tired of all the fighting over politics and morality? For this episode, we’re tackling moral outrage with Kurt Gray, a psychology professor and author of Outraged: Why We Fight about Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. You’ll learn why we get so caught up in right vs. wrong, how to better understand what’s driving people’s fears and motivations, and how to connect—even when you don’t agree. Plus, you’ll get practical tips to manage your own outrage and have more empathetic conversations.

Listen and Learn:

• The surprising key to bridging divides in relationships, even amidst deep moral disagreements
• How morality evolved to balance selfish instincts with the need for cooperation in groups
• How morality’s protective instincts can backfire, dividing us in groups and personal relationships
• Do cultural norms and deeper perceptions of harm shape our moral judgments and conflicts?
• Why does understanding the "other side" feel like betrayal—and what happens when both sides feel victimized?
• How moral typecasting shapes our views, seeing ourselves as victims and others as villains
• The complexity of human behavior and how even the most "evil" figures can have a backstory.
• How motivated reasoning can shape our political views and blur our judgment in conflict
• Embracing vulnerability and asking deeper questions to transform tough conversations

Resources:

● Books:

Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground

Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein

Article: Should an affair be disclosed? by Yael

● Website: https://www.kurtjgray.com/

● Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtjgray/

● Connect on X: https://x.com/kurtjgray

● Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurtjgray

● Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtjgray/

About Kurt Gray

Kurt Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. And is the author of Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.

Related Episodes:

• 51. The Psychology of Political Division with Yael and Debbie
• 263. Relationships with Emotionally Immature People with Lindsay Gibson
• 276. Assertive Communication Skills with Randy Paterson
• 362. Adult Bullies and High Conflict People with Bill Eddy
• 371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain Smith

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