The Janus Face of Morality & the Two Roots of Moral Foundations

Purpose: The intrinsic dynamics of altruism have not been adequately addressed in the morality literature. This study reduces the gap by constructing a framework, in the triangle of self, sacrifice and morality. Theoretical Framework: Regular meditative processes accompanied by a mantra, increases the value projection capacity of the self, and therefore increases the value attributed to human and transcendent conceptions; while liberals and conservatives project different levels of value on these conceptions in the first place. As a result of the increase, sensitivity to the difference between things that happen and (moral) things that should happen increases and attempts to bridge this gap, often require altruism. Method: To test this framework, altruism level of 230 subjects towards 'human' and 'transcendent conceptions' (THCS) was measured and associated with the MFQ, and the frequency of transcendental meditative experiences of the same sample was questioned. Results and Discussion: While sacrifice towards human was equally correlated with five foundations of the MFQ, sacrifice towards transcendent conceptions correlated at a higher level with only the binding foundations. It was also observed that those who conduct transandantal-meditative states via various rituals, and especially those who experienced ‘awe’ during these processes, achieved significantly higher scores on both the THCS and the MFQ as a whole. Finally, the morality literature was assessed with the help of the current theoretical framework. Research Implications: It seems that ancient rituals are powerful tools for the establishment of morality. Orginality: The relationship between morality and ‘religious ritual induced awe’ has been questioned statistically for the first time through the MFQ.