The Money Consensus: What do people really think of the monetary system? And does it influence ethical decision-making?

Chris Macdonald

Abstract


Recent experiments have revealed that the mere thought of money can decrease ethical decision-making. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon by investigating how the modern generation feels about the monetary system. Data from US and UK participants revealed that over 80% felt that money is one of the leading reasons why people make unethical decisions. The general consensus included that the invention of money has been mainly bad for the environment, plants, and wildlife, and that humans would have more authentic relationships and be happier and more ethical if money had never been invented. The findings offer valuable insight into why thoughts of money can loosen our morals.


Keywords


Ethics, Morality, Monetary system, Money, Ethical decision-making, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Morality, Disconnecting agents, Experimental psychology, Cognition, Decision-making,

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.23954/osj.v5i3.2376

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