In the first part of the book, the author uses research to demonstrate social intuitionism, how people's beliefs come primarily from their intuitions, and rational thought often comes after to justify initial beliefs. He cites David Hume and E. O. Wilson as thinkers who gave reason a relatively low estimation, as opposed to more popular thinkers who give reason a central place in moral cognition, such as Lawrence Kohlberg and his stages of moral reasoning. In the second portion of the book, he presents moral foundations theory, and applies it to the political beliefs of liberals, conservatives, and libertarians in the US. Haidt argues that people are too quick to denigrate other points of view without giving those views full consideration, and attempts to reach common ground between liberals and conservatives. He makes the case in the book for morality having multiple foundations, and said in an interview that morality "is at least six things, and probably a lot more than that" and "…expressions of our tribal, groupish, righteous nature." Haidt himself acknowledges that while he has been a liberal all his life, he is now more open to other points of view. In the third part of the book, Haidt describes a hypothetical "hive switch," which turns a selfish human "chimp" into a "groupish" human "bee." Cultures and organizations have techniques for getting people to identify with their groups, such as dancing, moving, and singing in unison.
Many of Haidt’s proposals are vague, insufficient or hard to implement. And that’s O.K. He just wants to start a conversation about integrating a better understanding of human nature — our sentiments, sociality and morality — into the ways we debate and govern ourselves. At this, he succeeds. It’s a landmark contribution to humanity’s understanding of itself.
The book received two reviews in The Guardian: Ian Birrell called the book a "compelling study of the morality of those on the left and right reaches some surprising conclusions;" and Nicholas Lezard wrote that he was "in the odd position of being wary of a book I am also recommending. It's entertaining, snappily written and thought-provoking. It might even help Labour win the next election. But it still doesn't explain the gang running the country at the moment ." Journalist Chris Hedges wrote a review of The Righteous Mind in which he accused Haidt of supporting "social Darwinism." In his response, Haidt disagreed with this interpretation of the book, claiming that Hedges took quotations from conservatives and inappropriately attributed them to Haidt. In an expanded version of an academic review, social psychologistJohn Jost wrote that "Haidt's book is creative, interesting, and provocative.... The book shines a new light on moral psychology and presents a bold, confrontational message. From a scientific perspective, however, I worry that his theory raises more questions than it answers." Jost criticized Haidt for what he perceived as showing more empathy for why conservatives hold their views than for why liberals do, and said Haidt "mocks the liberal vision of a tolerant, pluralistic, civil society, but, ironically, this is precisely where he wants to end up."
