Puritanical moral rules as moral heuristics coping with uncertainties

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Cultural Evolution
• Moral Decision-Making

Background:

• Puritanical moral norms are often perceived as stemming from nonrational concerns with purity and cleanliness.
• Understanding the cognitive and evolutionary basis of moral norms is crucial for social science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying reasoning behind the development and adherence to puritanical moral norms.
• To examine the functional role of puritanical moral rules in social cooperation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the cultural evolution of a puritanical moral norm in Turkey.
• Examination of decision-making processes related to cooperation under uncertain commitment.

Main Results:

• Puritanical moral norms are not primarily developed through nonrational reasoning focused on purity.
• These norms function as moral heuristics, aiding intendedly rational decisions regarding cooperation.
• Their utility is particularly evident when the commitment of counterparties is uncertain.

Conclusions:

• Puritanical moral norms are adaptive cognitive tools that facilitate cooperation in uncertain social environments.
• The study challenges simplistic views of moral norms as solely purity-based, highlighting their role in rational decision-making.