How Meditation Affects Ethical Reasoning and Ethical Behavior: Limitations of Current Research and Suggestions Moving Forward
The Institute of Mind Humanities October 31, 2023 Cheung Kin
Earlier research on mindfulness, lovingkindness, and compassion meditation has examined their effects on ethical reasoning and behavior, but a key gap exists between reasoning and behavior, as shown by experimental philosophy. Later studies acknowledge mitigating factors that influence changes in ethical behavior. The current evidence is limited, but the area remains promising. This paper argues for more multidisciplinary work combining philosophy and religious studies to inform psychological research on meditation and changing ethical behavior.