Human values and basic philosophical beliefs

Objectives

We present the first investigation into the relationship between basic human values and two core lay-belief systems: Free-Will and Mind-Body beliefs.

Methods

We gathered data from two samples (Total N = 509) responding to measures on basic human values, mind-body beliefs, and free-will beliefs.

Results

We found that basic values were substantially related to lay-perceptions about mind-body distinctions and beliefs about free-will. Specifically, we found that Self-Enhancement and Conservatism values were positively related to Monist and Deterministic Beliefs. Interestingly, we found that participants that endorsed Self-Enhancement and Conservatism values were more likely to integrate opposing beliefs and also endorsed Dualistic and Free-Will beliefs, albeit to a lesser extent. Finally, we found that Openness was positively related to both beliefs about mind-body Emergentism and Free-Will.

Conclusions

Overall, our study provides new insights for linking philosophy and psychology, specifically by linking lay philosophical attitudes high-level abstract beliefs and how they may be linked to motivational goals.