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Related Concept Videos

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development01:19

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Kohlberg's theory of moral development uses the Heinz dilemma — a thought experiment in which a man, Heinz, must decide whether to steal an unaffordable drug to save his dying wife — to illustrate the evolution of moral reasoning. This framework, divided into three levels with two stages, highlights how individuals' understanding of right and wrong becomes increasingly complex.
Pre-Conventional Level
At the pre-conventional level, morality is primarily driven by personal consequences. In Stage...
Self-Discrepancy Theory02:45

Self-Discrepancy Theory

One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
Motivational Bias01:25

Motivational Bias

Cognitive bias results from limitations in thinking and information processing, leading to systematic errors in judgment. Conversely, motivational bias stems from personal desires or emotions, causing distortions in perception to align with self-interest. Motivational bias influences how individuals perceive and attribute causes to events, often shaped by personal needs, goals, and self-esteem preservation. This bias can distort judgment, leading to inaccurate assessments of success, failure,...
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According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
Social Proof00:52

Social Proof

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Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation

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The theory differentiates between intrinsic and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
06:42

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

Published on: September 28, 2018

Moral progress as a counter-attractor.

Andrea Lavazza1

  • 1Pegaso University, Centro Direzionale Isola F2, Naples, Italy andrea.lavazza@unipegaso.it https://www.unipegaso.it/docenti/andrea-lavazza.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|July 13, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Moral progress, marked by expanded moral status and reduced cruelty, diverges from simple utility optimization. This advancement relies on empathy, reflection, and institutions, not just individual choices.

Area of Science:

  • Moral philosophy
  • Social psychology
  • Evolutionary ethics

Background:

  • Existing models, like Singh's, explain cultural convergence but not moral progress.
  • Historical trends show expansions in moral status and a decline in cruel punishments.
  • These changes represent principled departures from purely utilitarian frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the mechanisms driving moral progress beyond cultural convergence.
  • To identify factors enabling principled departures from utility optimization.
  • To propose a framework for understanding moral progress that includes psychological and institutional elements.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of historical and philosophical data on moral change.
  • Examination of psychological mechanisms such as empathy and reflective override.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
06:42

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

Published on: September 28, 2018

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
06:45

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Published on: April 18, 2017

  • Exploration of the role of institutional scaffolding in moral development.

    • Main Results:

    • Moral progress is characterized by principled divergence from utility-based equilibria.
    • Empathy, reflective override, and institutional support are key facilitators of moral breakthroughs.
    • Singh's model is insufficient as it overlooks these crucial elements.

    Conclusions:

    • Moral progress is a distinct phenomenon requiring more than just subjective selection or utility optimization.
    • A counter-attractor dynamic, supported by psychological and institutional factors, drives systematic moral advancement.
    • Understanding moral progress necessitates a broader explanatory scope beyond current models.