Moral responsibility and blameworthiness for our implicit biases

Abstract

Are we morally responsible and blameworthy for our implicit biases? Under what conditions would we be held morally responsible and blameworthy for something we have done? Over the years, studies have shown the pervasiveness of implicit biases. However, it is not clear if we are responsible and blameworthy for our implicit biases in the same way we are for our explicit attitudes. The existence of implicit biases involves social and moral aspects, thus motivating substantial research on the role that implicit biases may play in giving rise to discriminatory behavior. This paper explores the justifications for holding individuals morally responsible and blameworthy for harboring implicit biases set in the context of race and gender. The overall view follows that individuals can be both morally responsible and blameworthy, but the degree of blameworthiness is dependent on actions taken to mitigate or eliminate the implicit prejudices. Arguments from awareness and control would be used to discuss how they affect implicit biases and their link to moral responsibility and blameworthiness.