Moral Foundations Theory

Moral Foundations Theory is a psychological framework that explains how people develop their moral beliefs based on five core principles: care (compassion for others), fairness (justice and equality), loyalty (allegiance to groups), authority (respect for tradition and hierarchy), and sanctity (valuing purity and avoiding degradation). These foundations shape our views on right and wrong and can vary across cultures. Understanding these foundations helps illuminate why different people may approach moral issues differently, as each person prioritizes these principles uniquely based on their background and experiences.