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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Three-C Model of Moral Cognition: Why Moral Judgments Flip, Freeze, and Drift

Authors: Bohmhammel, Frank;

The Three-C Model of Moral Cognition: Why Moral Judgments Flip, Freeze, and Drift

Abstract

People regularly fail to integrate multiple evaluative perspectives when making moral judgments. This failure is typically attributed to character deficits, cognitive biases, or motivated reasoning. I propose an alternative explanation grounded in cognitive architecture. Drawing on research on task switching, working memory limits, and cognitive control, I develop a Three-C Model in which moral judgment operates through three competing evaluative modes: Character (relational-associative processing), Constraint (deontic-structural processing), and Consequence (algorithmic-aggregative processing). These modes employ qualitatively different evaluative currencies—fit, permissibility, and net utility—that under limited control resources lead to effective serialization: The system can typically focus only one mode in working memory at a time, and switching between modes incurs measurable costs. The model reframes the question: from “What kind of person fails morally?” to “What cognitive competence is required for multi-perspective integration?” I specify six hypotheses with concrete operationalizations and falsification criteria, and propose a cued-evaluation paradigm capable of isolating mode-switching costs in moral judgment.

Keywords

dual-process theory, Moral cognition, cognitive control, task switching, moral judgment, moral inconsistency

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average