1. Moral Foundations Theory (MFT)
Moral Foundations Theory was proposed to explain the evolutionary origins of and cross-cultural variation in human moral reasoning. It posits that there are multiple, distinct "taste buds" of morality.
MindPolis uses these foundations to understand the innate moral intuitions driving policy preferences, recognizing that political differences are often differences in moral priorities rather than logic.
| Moral Axis | Psychological Focus |
|---|---|
| Care / Harm | Empathy, protecting the vulnerable, compassion, and sensitivity to suffering. |
| Fairness / Cheating | Proportionality, justice, rights, and punishing free-riders (strongly related to reciprocal altruism). |
| Loyalty / Betrayal | Patriotism, self-sacrifice for the group, and maintaining in-group coalitions. |
| Authority / Subversion | Deference to leading figures, respect for traditions, and maintaining hierarchical social order. |
| Sanctity / Degradation | Purity, physical/spiritual contamination, and viewing the body as a temple rather than a playground. |
| Liberty / Oppression | Resistance to domination, anti-authoritarianism, and the desire for autonomy. |
2. Schwartz Theory of Basic Human Values
Recognized as one of the most reliable and highly cited cross-cultural models of human values in the social sciences. Schwartz identified a universal structure of basic motivational values recognized across cultures.
These values are arranged in a circular structure, highlighting the conflicts and congruities among them (e.g., self-enhancement versus self-transcendence, openness to change versus conservation).
| Core Value | Defining Goal |
|---|---|
| Universalism | Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and for nature. |
| Benevolence | Preservation and enhancement of the welfare of people with whom one is in frequent personal contact. |
| Tradition / Conformity | Respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas that traditional culture or religion provide. |
| Security | Safety, harmony, and stability of society, of relationships, and of self. |
| Power / Achievement | Social status and prestige, control or dominance over people and resources; personal success through demonstrating competence. |
| Self-Direction & Stimulation | Independent thought and action; choosing, creating, exploring, and seeking novelty and challenge. |
3. World Values Survey (WVS)
The WVS is the largest non-commercial, cross-national data series investigating human beliefs and values. Since 1981, it has tracked cultural value changes globally.
MindPolis incorporates the fundamental Inglehart-Welzel axes to understand the tension between institutional survival and democratic self-expression.
| Survey Axis | Cultural Implications |
|---|---|
| Traditional vs. Secular-Rational | Societies scoring high on traditional values emphasize the importance of religion, parent-child ties, deference to authority, and traditional family values. |
| Survival vs. Self-Expression | Survival values emphasize economic and physical security. Self-expression values give high priority to environmental protection, growing tolerance, and participation in decision-making. |
| Institutional Trust | The degree to which individuals maintain confidence in government bodies, the press, and civil societal institutions. |
| Socio-political Security | Attitudes toward national identity, immigration, authoritarian leadership, and the prioritization of structural order. |