Is there something categorically different between moral judgement and non-moral judgement in terms of their link to motivation? Or is it just a matter of degree and context? by Andrew Fisher

2025-10-23 11:11:16 UTC

Moral judgments seem to have an ‘intrinsic’ motivation built in.

The difference is just context

2025-10-23 11:12:12 UTC

Example 1: I make the judgment “it’s 5 to 1” and I desire to be on time, so I am motivated to go fast.

Example 2: I make the judgment “it’s good to be vegetarian”, I desire to do what is good, so I am motivated to be vegetarian.

I think these are very similar judgments.

Moral judgements tend to be more emotionally rousing.

2025-10-23 11:12:48 UTC

2025-10-23 11:13:15 UTC

Non moral judgements don’t seem to motivate through an aspect of “rightness” or “wrongness” but simply through a typically individual desire (e.g it is raining and I don’t want to get wet so I judge it necessary to take an umbrella). Whereas moral judgements seem to motivate in terms of what we think is good collectively or what will gain the approval of others.

2025-10-23 11:14:32 UTC

Non-moral judgement requires context and is not a constant motivation to act in a certain way. Whereas a moral judgement is something you act on (or wish to act on) consistently, it’s not dependant on context. You’re also more likely to be passionate about it and try convince other people to change their judgements.