The dangers of moral certainty

Self-righteousness and arrogance are destructive

Evangelical preacher Billy Sunday and political activist Greta Thurnberg are often seen as examples of morally certain and rigid personalities

Moral certainty and arrogance is the belief that one’s moral viewpoint is unquestionably correct. In political, social, and cultural movements, the dangers of moral arrogance are increasingly evident, undermining collaboration and producing ineffective policies.

This post looks at the issues inherent in moral arrogance, its manifestations, and ways to address it.

Some Negative Effects of Moral Arrogance

Suppression of Alternative Views and Ignoring Facts

Moral arrogance stifles opposing viewpoints, creating an environment where debate and critical examination are discouraged. When people and groups view their perspectives as infallible, people with alternative viewpoints are often labeled as immoral or unworthy of engagement. This alienates potential allies, shuts down meaningful discourse, and ignores ideas and evidence that could lead to better outcomes.

Neglect of Unintended Consequences

Policies driven by moral certainty typically lead to negative consequences. People, fixated on the righteousness of their goals, often disregard evidence of ineffectiveness or harm. Moral arrogance prevents the reassessment of such policies. This rigidity can ultimately harm the very people or communities that advocates aim to support.

Creating Division and Polarization

Moral arrogance reduces complex societal issues to a binary conflict between good versus evil and right versus wrong. This oversimplification erodes social cohesion and creates a destructive “us versus them” mentality. Political debates on issues such as immigration, climate change, and social justice frequently devolve into personal attacks.

Loss of Empathy

An attitude of moral superiority hinders the ability to empathize with those who do not share the same views. Moral certitude can lead to the dehumanization of opponents, viewing them as inherently evil or irredeemable. This perspective undermines the principle of universal human dignity, which many movements claim to champion.

Justification of Coercive Measures

When moral certainty is paired with a sense of superiority, it can be used to justify coercion and the suppression of freedoms. Dogmatists often view the ends as justifying the means. Those convinced of their moral righteousness may impose their values on others. History demonstrates that moral certainty can pave the way for authoritarian practices.

Resistance to Self-Reflection

Moral arrogance often prevents necessary self-reflection. Advocates of particular causes may be so confident in their views that they resist reconsidering their positions, even in the face of new evidence. Movements that begin with noble intentions can devolve into dogmatism, prioritizing ideological purity over practical solutions.

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Examples of Moral Arrogance

In politics, both the left and right often view their beliefs as morally superior, dismissing others as ignorant and immoral. This dynamic is evident in social media debates and partisan media, contributing to deep divisions and a lack of constructive dialogue.

Religious fundamentalism perpetuates moral arrogance, with groups across faiths claiming moral superiority and condemning differing beliefs.

Social justice movements, despite their laudable goals, sometimes suppress meaningful discourse by labeling dissenters as immoral or bigoted.

Cancel culture—driven by moral certainty—condemns people and groups for perceived wrongdoings and moral impurity, creating an environment of fear and self-censorship.

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The Reasons Behind Moral Arrogance

Moral arrogance and certainty arise from a mix of psychological, social, and cultural factors, including the following.

Cognitive biases such as confirmation bias play a significant role, with people seeking out and remembering information that supports their existing beliefs. This reinforces their sense of being “right.”

Moral certainty provides a sense of control and order in a complex and unpredictable world. The fear of ambiguity—which many find unsettling—encourages some people to cling to rigid positions. Fear of being wrong prevents some people from questioning their views, as admitting uncertainty or error threatens their self-image and worldview.

A sense of identity and belonging also contributes. When people are part of a group with shared moral values, they can develop a sense of moral superiority, particularly when the group defines itself in opposition to others.

Emotional investment further compounds this, as strong feelings tied to causes like justice, equality, or religious principles can lead to an inflexible moral certainty.

Some people derive moral certainty from religious, ideological, philosophical, or political systems they view as superior.

Cultural and societal influences, particularly in polarized environments, exacerbate moral arrogance. For example, social media creates echo chambers that amplify extreme views and reward moral outrage while discouraging nuance.

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Addressing Moral Certainty

To combat moral certainty and arrogance, people and groups must embrace humility, openness, and critical self-reflection. Prioritizing evidence-based policies and respect for diverse perspectives creates understanding and innovation. People should recognize the complexity of moral and social issues. By encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and the willingness to consider and incorporate alternative viewpoints, society can mitigate the dangers of moral arrogance and work toward collaboration and more effective outcomes.

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