The geometry of moral decision making

Roland M. Friedrich

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arXiv · 2501.08865

The geometry of moral decision making

Roland M. Friedrich

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Abstract

We show how (resource) bounded rationality can be understood as the interplay of two fundamental moral principles: deontology and utilitarianism. In particular, we interpret deontology as a regularisation function in an optimal control problem, coupled with a free parameter, the inverse temperature, to shield the individual from expected utility. We discuss the information geometry of bounded rationality and aspects of its relation to rate distortion theory. A central role is played by Markov kernels and regular conditional probability, which are also studied geometrically. A gradient equation is used to determine the utility expansion path. Finally, the framework is applied to the analysis of a disutility model of the restriction of constitutional rights that we derive from legal doctrine. The methods discussed here are also relevant to the theory of autonomous agents.

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Roland M. Friedrich. 2025-01-15. The geometry of moral decision making. https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.08865

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