Discover how our primal instincts and modern values combine to shape our reactions to moral wrongs
Why Does Moral Disgust Make Us Feel Physically Nauseous?
Evolutionary, Neurological, and Cultural Roots of Our Gut Reactions
Ever experienced a nauseating feeling when confronted with acts of moral injustice? Most likely, your answer is yes. And it is indeed a curious thing that we’ve all experienced. Whether it’s witnessing corruption, hearing about horrible crimes, or encountering betrayal, our bodies react as if we’ve ingested something rotten. This visceral reaction raises an intriguing question:
Why does moral disgust manifest so intensely, like physical nausea?
The Roots of Disgust
To understand why moral disgust can make us physically ill, we must first look at the origin of disgust itself. Historically, disgust was an essential trait for survival. Our ancestors roamed the savannah, avoiding spoiled and potentially poisonous food. This primal reaction helped our ancestors survive by keeping them away from harmful substances.
However, as societies evolved, so did our morals, and the nature of disgust. It was no longer confined to physical threats, but…
