Outrage Overload

A Connors Institute podcast

Outrage 61 – Outraged! The New Science of Morality – Kurt Gray

Aired Apr 2 2025

For over a decade, The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt has shaped how we think about political polarization and moral psychology. It introduced moral foundations theory, helping us understand why people on different sides of the political spectrum see the world so differently. But in today’s outrage-driven landscape, is that framework enough?

In this episode of Outrage Overload, we welcome back Dr. Kurt Gray—one of our very first guests—to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Outraged! Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. This book isn’t just another take on moral psychology—it’s a paradigm shift. If The Righteous Mind set the stage, Outraged! is here to redefine the conversation.

Dr. Gray’s insights are essential for anyone trying to navigate our hyper-polarized world. Whether you’re fascinated by moral psychology, media manipulation, or the science of outrage, this episode will challenge the way you think about political discourse.

Kurt Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. He is also an Adjunct Professor in Organizational Behavior at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, where he teaches about organizational ethics and team processes.