Sensitivity to Moral Principles Predicts Both Deontological and Utilitarian Response Tendencies in Sacrificial Dilemmas

When facing sacrificial dilemmas in which harm maximizes outcomes, people appear sensitive to three moral principles: They are more averse actively causing than passively allowing it ( action principle), directly indirectly contact and as a means by-product of helping others intention principle). Across five studies meta-analysis N = 1,218), we examined whether individual differences people’s sensitivity these principles were related participants’ preferences on dilemmas. Interestingly, each was both elevated harm-rejection (i.e., deontological) well outcome-maximization utilitarian) response tendencies. Rather increasing responses consistent with only one philosophical position, balanced concerns about maximizing outcomes similar high other measures concern.