"We would rather appear good than actually do good."
Whether it's the gender debate, climate protection or anti-discrimination - moral signals are everywhere. But what is behind all the moral judgments we encounter every day? And why do we find it increasingly difficult to even tolerate other opinions? Social media are reinforcing a development in which it is no longer the action that counts, but the right signal: morality is becoming a show. This episode takes a closer look at where the public discourse works with bold, concise statements and explores the question: What is the moral spectacle doing to our culture of debate?
"Morality is a new currency in the competition for status."
Prof. Dr. Philipp Hübl, philosopher and author of Moralspektakel, analyzes this change with razor-sharp precision. In a performance culture in which many can no longer keep up, morality becomes a stage for status. Those who publicly accuse others can elevate themselves. Moral judgments are no longer made out of conviction, but are used as a social strategy. Genuine commitment often only plays a secondary role. Because those who are loud and clear receive applause, and those who differentiate and weigh things up make themselves vulnerable.
"We want to be recognized as someone who has the right values."
Hübl talks to Georgiy Michailov about call-out culture, moral purity and the difference between real change and mere staging. It's about signal culture, victim hierarchies and the new fear of appearing false. A conversation about why social comparisons shape our moral behavior and how we can maintain the courage to contradict ourselves despite cancel culture.
*Video only in German
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