Ownership is (likely to be) a moral foundation
Mohammad Atari, Jonathan Haidt
Abstract
Boyer presents a compelling account of ownership as the outcome of interaction between two evolved cognitive systems. We integrate this model into current discussions of moral pluralism, suggesting that ownership meets the criteria to be a moral foundation. We caution against ignoring cultural variation in ownership norms and against explaining complex, contested moral phenomena using a monist approach.
Topics & Concepts
MonismFoundation (evidence)Pluralism (philosophy)Moral disengagementPositive economicsSocial cognitive theory of moralityEpistemologyOutcome (game theory)PsychologyCognitionSociologyEnvironmental ethicsSocial psychologyLaw and economicsPolitical scienceEconomicsLawPhilosophyMicroeconomicsNeurosciencePsychology of Moral and Emotional JudgmentEvolutionary Game Theory and CooperationCultural Differences and Values