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An ASU philosopher explores what motivates kindness — and why it matters

Cheshire Calhoun in KJZZ's studios.
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ
Cheshire Calhoun in KJZZ's studio.

Cheshire Calhoun, a philosophy professor at Arizona State University, is fascinated by kindness.

Calhoun’s area of expertise is called “moral philosophy,” and she says that over the years, the field has narrowed its focus too much. Many of her colleagues have grown fixated on what she calls “non-elective moral behaviors” — questions like: What makes us obey street signs or refrain from shoplifting?

Those behaviors may be moral, but they’re not necessarily motivated by kindness.

Calhoun is more interested in elective moral behaviors, things like volunteer work, or asking, with genuine concern, after a friend’s sick parent. She says these are examples of positive moral philosophy — a new branch of academic study she’s looking to establish at the university level. She wants to focus on what motivates the small but significant positive social behaviors we often overlook. Calhoun joined The Show to talk about it.

KJZZ's The Show transcripts are created on deadline. This text is edited for length and clarity, and may not be in its final form. The authoritative record of KJZZ's programming is the audio record.

Sam Dingman is a reporter and host for KJZZ’s The Show. Prior to KJZZ, Dingman was the creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Family Ghosts.
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