How to Train an Elephant

Abstract

This paper explores moral intuition, its influence on moral decision-making, and how moral intuition could be more reliable through both mindfulness and character development. Following on the ideas of Jonathan Haidt, the paper admits how moral intuition is heavily influenced by emotions and dictates moral judgments. However, individuals are not bound to blindly follow their intuitions. Thích Nhất Hạnh's idea on controlling emotions through mindfulness inspired people to change through practice. Moreover, Aristotle's philosophy of character development also reminds us of the role of habitual actions in cultivating virtues, which, in other words, shape one's moral intuition over time. In conclusion, human beings can constantly change moral intuitions to be more beneficial, more aligned with rationality and virtuous principles so that they can positively guide our ways in daily moral decisions.