The Moral Arc

The Moral Arc, a concept by philosopher Steven Pinker, suggests that over history, humanity has gradually progressed toward greater morality—promoting rights, justice, and compassion. This development is driven by reason, empathy, and the desire for social harmony, leading societies to become fairer and more just over time. Pinker argues this positive trend is measurable through improvements in laws, human rights, and ethical norms, showcasing humanity’s capacity to advance morally as we learn from experience and expand our understanding of fairness and kindness.