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News

News: December 2021 / January 2022

The fault is not in our stars but in our genes • Trans rights and academic freedom • Moral dilemma? Ask a chatbot — News reports by Anja Steinbauer

Is Morality Genetic?

Jeremy Bishop

Why do many people have similar moral values to their parents? Is this just a matter of environment and upbringing or is there some biological basis for this phenomenon too? Past studies have suggested that moral judgements are strongly based on self-interest informed by the particular condition of individuals. For example, someone who is hungry is more likely to be in favour of social welfare, whereas someone who is in top physical shape is more likely to advocate a moral system that rewards strength and self reliance. A new study demonstrates that there may be a genetic basis for certain moral decisions. Annika Karinen and some colleagues in experimental and applied psychology at the Free University of Amsterdam have conducted a survey for which they questioned almost 6,000 twins and more than 2,000 siblings to twins about ethical issues concerning drug consumption and casual sex.

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