Proportionality as a Predictor of Utilitarian Sacrifices: Evidence from the Polish MFQ-2

In three studies (N = 765), we validated the Polish version of the Moral Foundations Questionnaire–2 (MFQ-2) and examined its associations with moral judgments in sacrificial dilemmas. The six-factor structure of the MFQ-2 demonstrated good model fit, internal consistency, and predictive validity. Religiosity and endorsement of conservative world-views were most strongly positively related with binding moral foundations (loyalty, authority and purity moral foundations). Together with proportionality, the binding moral foundations were positively related to socially conservative attitudes, while care and equality were positively associated with support for the welfare state. Proportionality, loyalty, and purity were positively related to acceptance of utilitarian decisions in sacrificial dilemmas. Only proportionality was associated with the perception that doctors are more likely than workers to save lives, supporting the distinction between proportionality and equality as separate moral foundations. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in moral psychology and highlight the distinct role of proportionality in utilitarian moral judgment.