After Psychic Numbing: Towards Revitalizing Moral Sensitivity in the Times of Mass Atrocity

Abstract

This article examines the persistent global failure to address mass atrocities and human rights abuses, highlighting the erosion of moral sensitivity and international structures designed to prevent genocide. Despite humanity's innate capacity for empathy, as exemplified by poignant images of suffering, conflicts in regions like Tigray, Ukraine, Syria, and Myanmar underscore a troubling pattern of indifference. Drawing on psychological and philosophical frameworks, the article explores the mechanisms behind humanity's repeated inaction in the face of genocide. Concepts such as "psychic numbing," dual-process theories of decision-making, and the role of moral intuition are discussed to explain how emotional desensitization and societal detachment contribute to moral inertia. The article advocates for a psycho-moral approach that integrates compassion, imagination, and rational deliberation to revitalize moral sensitivity and foster proactive responses to genocide. By confronting the psychological and moral barriers to action, the article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the human condition and the mechanisms required to prevent future atrocities.