Emotions and Cognition in the Moral Brain: A Neuroscientific Review of the Dual-Process Theories of Decision Making

Moral decision-making is a pivotal human process that requires a harmonious balance between emotion, reasoning, and social context. With recent advances in cognitive neuroscience, it has been revealed that moral judgements are driven by multiple brain systems, including the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Together, these regions interact to evaluate dilemmas individuals may face and guide one’s behavior. This literature review synthesizes findings from functional imaging, lesion, and studies to address an overarching question: Are moral judgements primarily driven by emotion or rational processes? Evidence suggests that emotional responses, supported by the vmPFC and limbic structures, are more associated with rapid, intuitive moral judgements, whereas cognitive mechanisms in the dlPFC are utilized for more deliberate, or high-conflict decisions (Qu et al., 2022). The interplay between these two forces bolsters the dual-process theory of moral cognition, where emotion and rationality coexist rather than be opposing forces. Understanding this interplay provides insight and vital information regarding ethical behaviors, legal responsibilities, and artificial intelligence systems that are devised to mimic human’s moral capacities.