Why Do I Hate Pronouns More Than Genocide?

Abstract

This article explores the nature of moral outrage, drawing on the distinction between System 1 (instinctive) and System 2 (analytic) morality. It argues that while individuals may intellectually recognize the severity of issues like genocide, their emotional responses often prioritize less objectively significant issues, particularly those that allow them to feel superior to others by aligning with a specific moral tribe. The author examines their own reactions to social phenomena, such as pronoun announcements and gender non-conformity, and acknowledges the role of personal aesthetic preferences and ego gratification in shaping moral stances. It concludes by reflecting on the implications of these observations for effective altruism, questioning whether actions motivated by instinct and ego, even if rationally justified, can be considered truly altruistic. – AI-generated abstract.