The clash of moralities : understanding the conflict between impersonal deontology and interpersonal prosociality

For a long time morality was seen as the understanding between good and evil. Good was represented by care of others and justice, evil by cruelty and injustice. Today, researchers suggest that there are not only interpersonal moral concerns but also collectivistic moral values such as respecting authority and loyalty to one’s group. Indeed, preferring the welfare of another individual (interpersonal morality) or that of a whole group (collectivistic morality) can both be considered morally correct. There are situations when these two moralities clash, thus creating a moral dilemma. Sometimes, choosing loyalty above care could be seen as an antisocial act but nevertheless be morally motivated. But is it only moral concern that motivates people to refuse to help someone for collective wishes? The aim of the present work is to investigate religious, moral and psychological factors that contribute in choosing collectivistic morality at the detriment of the well-being of others.