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Higher cognitive ability linked to weaker moral foundations in UK adults

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  • Zakharin, Michael
  • Bates, Timothy C.

Abstract

Existing research on the relationship between cognitive ability and moral foundations has yielded contradictory results. While some studies suggest that higher cognitive ability is associated with more enlightened moral intuitions, others indicate it may weaken moral foundations. To address this ambiguity, we conducted two studies (total N = 1320) using the Moral Foundations Questionnaire-2 (MFQ-2) with UK residents. Both Study 1 and Study 2 (preregistered) revealed negative links between cognitive ability and moral foundations. In Study 1, structural models showed negative links between general intelligence (g) and both binding (−0.24) and individualizing (−0.19) foundations. These findings replicated closely in Study 2, with similar coefficients (−0.25 and − 0.18, respectively). Higher verbal ability was specifically associated with lower purity scores. These findings suggest a negative association between cognitive ability and moral foundations, challenging existing theories relating to intelligence and moral intuitions. However, causal direction remains uncertain.

Suggested Citation

  • Zakharin, Michael & Bates, Timothy C., 2025. "Higher cognitive ability linked to weaker moral foundations in UK adults," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intell:v:111:y:2025:i:c:s0160289625000339
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2025.101930
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Zakharin & Timothy C Bates, 2021. "Remapping the foundations of morality: Well-fitting structural model of the Moral Foundations Questionnaire," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(10), pages 1-26, October.
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