Cognitive Motivation for Morality: Dumb or Smart?

You don’t have to be highly intelligent to be moral—but you do need to take the time to reflect on what morality means. Morality is ultimately a choice. While we may not always recognize it as such, many factors influence how we make that choice.

First, years of conditioning shape the lens through which we view moral issues. Second, making moral decisions requires cognitive engagement—a willingness to think critically about what causes more or less harm, or what is right versus wrong.

One interesting study supports the idea that morality is a willful choice. It shows that cognitive ability and cognitive motivation are distinct. In other words, being smart isn’t the same as being morally engaged.

Bright mind, moral mind? One study titled "Intelligence is unrelated to consequentialist moral judgment in sacrificial moral dilemmas" suggests that intelligence does not predict moral judgment in complex ethical scenarios.

In case you're unfamiliar, Consequentialism is a moral philosophy where the consequences of one's actions determine right and wrong. Consequentialism Definition

So, while intelligence isn’t necessary for morality, the motivation to act ethically is. Perhaps our philosophers—secular, religious, and ethical thinkers alike—understood that morality is a deeply personal responsibility. Factors like wealth, education, or raw intelligence seem less important than simply choosing to think morally.

Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to truly consider the difference between right and wrong.

"The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions." Einstein