The RIGHTEOUS MIND
Why People are Conservative or Liberal

Background Information
"Writings and Studies in Moral and Social Psychology" by Dr. Jonathan Haidt, Univ of Virginia
http://www.yourmorals.com
Six Basic Characteristics of Morality
• Fairness
• Liberty
• Care
• Loyalty
• Authority
• Sanctity

Video of Haidt was his attempt to play no favorites, confessing he had been a complete liberal and on study of conservative philosophy could identify the comparison. Concluded that liberals do not understand conservatism.
Kent reviewed the traditional characteristics of Americans -- self sufficiency individualism, responsibility so that we could notice the change in our society.
The concept of Fairness is shared by all, but with diametrically opposed definitions.
Liberal is "to care for needs" vs. Conservative is "to work and receive just reward", karma.
TRUTH based on Knowing and Feelings vs. Reason and Science
People have tribal concepts and all is a confirmation of their viewpoint.
Conservative hatred of slackers and free riders.
Free lunch vs. national park signage " Don't feed the animals, it makes them dependent."
Compromise
Conservative desire to retain what is good, every compromise is a loss of something they see as valuable.
Liberal desire is to add to benefits, every compromise wins something they see as right.
Society is self-segregating, becoming less diverse, more divisive.