Ownership is (likely to be) a moral foundation

Behav Brain Sci. 2023 Oct 10:46:e326. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X2300119X.

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.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Morals*
  • Ownership*