This iterated learning account can explain how a shift from “is” to “ought” occurs through cultural transmission, without dramatic shifts in individual judgment and without deference to a central authority.

More philosophy and cognitive science on this topic, coming soon!

In our studies, participants in “Generation 1” learn about an inadvisable action and then teach others in “Generation 2” about it, who teach “Generation 3,” etc. Through this process, later generations come to view the action as impermissible and subject to punishment.