Erik Mohlin (Lund University): “Dutiful Behavior: A Model of Moral Sentiments” (with Tore Ellingsen)

Abstract: “We expand the formal theory of other-regarding preferences to account for dutiful behavior. There are duties of justice and of beneficence. Justice involves rules, while beneficence involves responsibilities. People are heterogeneous along three dimensions, called dutifulness, integrity, and punitiveness. Dutifulness governs conscious pursuit of duties. Integrity governs unconscious self-deception about one's duties. Punitiveness governs resentment and punishment of others that violate their duties. We relate the model's predictions to an extensive body of data on lying, cooperation, generosity, and reciprocity.”