The Origin of Moral Norms and the Role of Innate Dispositions

Abstract

This article compares different models of the origin of moral norms. It begins by distinguishing two main models, one that views moral norms as social constructions transmitted to individuals through socialization (the Input model), and one that views moral norms as naturally emerging from human dispositions (the Output model). Contemporary examples are given for each model, and each is then divided between ‘nativist’ and ‘anti-nativist’ versions. After the strengths and weaknesses of each model are highlighted, an alternative model is proposed, which is an ‘anti-nativist’ version of the Output model that is called the ‘Direct Outgrowth’ model. That model construes moral norms as being directly shaped by innate dispositions such as emotional preparedness. However, despite the central role played by innate dispositions, none of those dispositions evolved for the purpose of morality, which is why the model is still described as ‘anti-nativist’.