Abstract
Moral behavior requires learning how our actions help or harm others. Theoretical accounts of learning propose a key division between “model-free” algorithms that cache outcome values in actions and “model-based” algorithms that map actions to outcomes. Here, we tested the engagement of these mechanisms and their neural basis as participants learned to avoid painful electric shocks for themselves and a stranger. We found that model-free decision making was prioritized when learning to avoid harming others compared to oneself. Model-free prediction errors for others relative to self were tracked in the thalamus/caudate. At the time of choice, neural activity consistent with model-free moral learning was observed in subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), and switching after harming others was associated with stronger connectivity between sgACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Finally, model-free moral learning varied with individual differences in moral judgment. Our findings suggest moral learning favors efficiency over flexibility and is underpinned by specific neural mechanisms.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 27719-27730 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 44 |
Early online date | 14 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Nov 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. This work was supported by a Medical Research Council Fellowship (MR/P014097/1), a Christ Church Junior Research Fellowship, and a Christ Church Research Centre Grant to P.L.L. and a Wellcome Trust grant (106164/A/14/Z) and an Academy of Medical Sciences (SBF001\1008) grant to
Funding Information:
M.J.C. M.C.K.-F. was supported by a Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship (103184/Z/13/ Z). The Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging is supported by core funding from the Wellcome Trust (203139/Z/16/Z). We thank Ms. Eloise Copland and Dr. Hongbo Yu for assistance with data collection; Dr. Marco Wittman, Dr. Peter Smittenaar, Dr. Quentin Huys, Dr. Elsa Fouragnan, and Dr. Mehdi
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Learning
- Model-free
- Moral
- Neuroimaging
- Prediction error
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General