Washing Away Your Sins: Threatened Morality and Physical Cleansing -- Zhong and Liljenquist 313 (5792): 1451 -- Science

Here is our topic for Tuesday.

This is an article that investigates the linkage between physical and moral purity. It's an interesting look at a culture of cleanliness.

Some questions posed are:
Questions given in the article:

1. Given the boost to one's moral self afforded by physical cleansing, how might it influence subsequent behavior? Would adherence to a rigorous hygiene regimen facilitate ethical behavior? Or, would cleansing ironically license unethical behavior?



2. Have you ever found yourself exercising physical cleansing, such as bathing or washing hands whrn you felt guilty of anything?



3. After reading this article, would you, from now on, regard anybody as having had committed wrongdoing if you catch sight of him or her wahing their hands?