Horizon Season 2011 Episode 13 Are You Good or Evil?

Are You Good or Evil? explores the nature of morality and questions whether humans are inherently good or evil. The episode delves into several psychological and neurological studies to understand the development of moral behavior in individuals.

The episode starts by presenting different theories on the origin of good and evil in humans. Some scientists believe that morality is learned through socialization, while others believe that it is embedded in our genes. The show examines these theories in detail while exploring the research studies that have been conducted in this field.

The first study looks at infants and their ability to judge fairness. The researchers show an experiment in which a puppet distributes cookies unequally between two other puppets. The infants are quick to judge that the distribution is unfair, which suggests that the concept of fairness is innate and not learned.

Another experiment looked at the relationship between empathy and morality. The researchers showed that individuals who were more empathetic were more likely to act morally towards others. This study suggests that the ability to empathize with others is crucial to the development of moral behavior.

Another investigation looked at psychopaths - individuals who exhibit persistent antisocial behavior. The study found that psychopaths lack the ability to feel empathy towards others and have difficulty understanding the concept of right and wrong. This suggests that empathy is a significant factor in the development of moral behavior.

The episode also explores the role of the brain in moral behavior. Studies have shown that the prefrontal cortex - the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and self-control - is crucial for moral reasoning. Individuals with damage to this area have difficulty making moral choices and often exhibit socially inappropriate behavior.

The episode also discusses the concept of moral relativism - the idea that moral values are relative to the culture and society in which they are taught. The show analyzes this concept while providing examples of cultures that hold vastly different moral values.

Finally, the episode asks whether humans are capable of true altruism - the act of helping others without any expectation of personal gain. The show presents several studies that suggest that humans are capable of true altruism, and this behavior may be hard-wired into our brains.

Overall, Are You Good or Evil? presents a fascinating look into the nature of morality and human behavior. Through the use of experiments and research studies, the episode provides evidence for both sides of the debate on whether humans are inherently good or evil. The show offers plenty of food for thought and is sure to spark discussion and debate among viewers.