A Neural Model of Moral Decisions

Alessio Plebe

2014

Abstract

In this paper a neural model of moral decisions is proposed. It is based on the fact, supported by neuroimaging studies as well as theoretical analysis, that moral behavior is supported by brain circuits engaged more generally in emotional responses and in decision making. The model has two components, the first is composed by artificial counterpart of the orbitofrontal cortex, connected with sensorial cortical sheets and with the ventral striatum, the second by the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, that evaluate representations of values from the orbitofrontal cortex, comparing with negative values, encoded in the amygdala. The model is embedded in a simple environmental context, in which it learns that certain actions, although potentially rewarding, are morally forbidden.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Plebe A. (2014). A Neural Model of Moral Decisions . In Proceedings of the International Conference on Neural Computation Theory and Applications - Volume 1: NCTA, (IJCCI 2014) ISBN 978-989-758-054-3, pages 111-118. DOI: 10.5220/0005032001110118

in Bibtex Style

@conference{ncta14,
author={Alessio Plebe},
title={A Neural Model of Moral Decisions},
booktitle={Proceedings of the International Conference on Neural Computation Theory and Applications - Volume 1: NCTA, (IJCCI 2014)},
year={2014},
pages={111-118},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0005032001110118},
isbn={978-989-758-054-3},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF
JO - Proceedings of the International Conference on Neural Computation Theory and Applications - Volume 1: NCTA, (IJCCI 2014)
TI - A Neural Model of Moral Decisions
SN - 978-989-758-054-3
AU - Plebe A.
PY - 2014
SP - 111
EP - 118
DO - 10.5220/0005032001110118