Human Morality Typology
This is the first draft of an attempt to build a three-part typology of human morality. The three types are:
- Social morality
- Biological morality
- Abstract morality
Social Morality
Social morality is the public presentation of what we believe and stand for. It believes the self is a good person and going to heaven. It presents self as moral and concerned with others. It is the public relations specialist of self although is seldom invited to key meetings where decisions are made. Social standing is a primary concern. Social morality can be a tool to control others.
Biological Morality
Biological morality is the emotional and instinctive base of morality. It is the infant’s instinctive preference for the fair. It is preferring those similar to ourselves. It drives the choices people make in the “trollycar problem.” It is what I felt when Carolyn was born and I knew protecting her was the most important thing in the world. It is usually felt rather than articulated, it is mostly unconscious. It is the motive power that underlies the other two types. It is often conflicted by competing demands of others and selves, unresolved clashes of desires, fears, hopes, etc.
Abstract Morality
Abstract Morality is what ethicists and philosophers talk about. It includes systems of morality based of abstract principles such as “the greatest good for the greatest number” It never has a firm base but generally rests on unacknowledged connections to the other two types. It relationalises the mess made by the other types.
Comment
The typology’s elements are common academic ground. The Social Morality is discussed by sociologist such as Ervin Goffman. Jonathan Haidt goes further than I in his categories of morality. Many philosophers can be seen as example of my Abstract Morality. What I wish to call attention to is how different the three are experienced subjectively. Social Morality is structured as a dialog. The other is always there. Biological Morality is feeling and emotion. It is preverbal. Finally Abstract Morality is an argument. Closer to mathematics than biology.
Feb 25 2026
Morality Typology
Human Morality Typology
This is the first draft of an attempt to build a three-part typology of human morality. The three types are:
Social Morality
Social morality is the public presentation of what we believe and stand for. It believes the self is a good person and going to heaven. It presents self as moral and concerned with others. It is the public relations specialist of self although is seldom invited to key meetings where decisions are made. Social standing is a primary concern. Social morality can be a tool to control others.
Biological Morality
Biological morality is the emotional and instinctive base of morality. It is the infant’s instinctive preference for the fair. It is preferring those similar to ourselves. It drives the choices people make in the “trollycar problem.” It is what I felt when Carolyn was born and I knew protecting her was the most important thing in the world. It is usually felt rather than articulated, it is mostly unconscious. It is the motive power that underlies the other two types. It is often conflicted by competing demands of others and selves, unresolved clashes of desires, fears, hopes, etc.
Abstract Morality
Abstract Morality is what ethicists and philosophers talk about. It includes systems of morality based of abstract principles such as “the greatest good for the greatest number” It never has a firm base but generally rests on unacknowledged connections to the other two types. It relationalises the mess made by the other types.
Comment
The typology’s elements are common academic ground. The Social Morality is discussed by sociologist such as Ervin Goffman. Jonathan Haidt goes further than I in his categories of morality. Many philosophers can be seen as example of my Abstract Morality. What I wish to call attention to is how different the three are experienced subjectively. Social Morality is structured as a dialog. The other is always there. Biological Morality is feeling and emotion. It is preverbal. Finally Abstract Morality is an argument. Closer to mathematics than biology.
By Daniel • Visions