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arXiv · 2603.13876

How do Role Models Shape Collective Morality? Exemplar-Driven Moral Learning in Multi-Agent Simulation

Junjie Liao·Huacong Tang·Zhou Ziheng·Yizhou Wang·Fangwei Zhong
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Abstract

Do We Need Role Models? How do Role Models Shape Collective Morality? To explore the questions, we build a multi-agent simulation powered by a Large Language Model, where agents with diverse intrinsic drives, ranging from cooperative to competitive, interact and adapt through a four-stage cognitive loop (plan-act-observe-reflect). We design four experimental games (Alignment, Collapse, Conflict, and Construction) and conduct motivational ablation studies to identify the key drivers of imitation. The results indicate that identity-driven conformity can powerfully override initial dispositions. Agents consistently adapt their values to align with a perceived successful exemplar, leading to rapid value convergence.

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Junjie Liao, Huacong Tang, Zhou Ziheng, Yizhou Wang, Fangwei Zhong. 2026-03-14. How do Role Models Shape Collective Morality? Exemplar-Driven Moral Learning in Multi-Agent Simulation. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.13876

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