Volkov, Mikhail (2026) A Morality Evolutionary Game Theory Can Model. Philosophy of Science. ISSN 0031-8248

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Abstract

Evolutionary game-theoretic (EGT) models of morality face powerful under-addressed objections. Critics claim the simulations fail to specify their explanandum, muddying their explanatory value. Additionally, morality is suggested to be not computationally representable, jeopardising the method’s general applicability. This paper explicates and addresses the objections. I argue at least one concrete explication of morality, emotionism coupled with functionally understood emotions, can be a plausible subject of EGT explanations. I demonstrate how fixing this explanandum assuages the methodological objections and provide a computational model as proof of concept. If successful, the contribution placates serious long-standing criticisms of EGT as a meta-ethical tool.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Volkov, Mikhail mik_volkov@hotmail.com 0009-0001-2204-2717
Keywords:	game theory, evolutionary game theory, naturalized ethics, metaethics, agent-based modelling, computational modelling
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory General Issues > Computer Simulation General Issues > Game Theory General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User:	Mr Mikhail Volkov
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2026 13:40
Last Modified:	03 Mar 2026 13:40
Item ID:	28427
Journal or Publication Title:	Philosophy of Science
Publisher:	Philosophy of Science Association
Official URL:	https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/philosophy...
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1017/psa.2026.10202
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory General Issues > Computer Simulation General Issues > Game Theory General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date:	2026
ISSN:	0031-8248
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28427

Available Versions of this Item

• A Morality Evolutionary Game Theory Can Model. (deposited 18 Dec 2025 13:56)
  • A Morality Evolutionary Game Theory Can Model. (deposited 02 Mar 2026 13:34)
    • A Morality Evolutionary Game Theory Can Model. (deposited 03 Mar 2026 13:40) [Currently Displayed]

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