# From Outcome-Based to Language-Based Preferences

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2206.07300 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.07300/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 7 of its 201 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 15 Jun 2022.

## Builds on (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Mathematical foundations of moral preferences](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.08193/) (2021)
- [Grand challenges in social physics: In pursuit of moral behavior](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1810.05516/) (2018)
- [A Model of Human Cooperation in Social Dilemmas](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1307.4228/) (2013)
- [Language-based Games](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1310.6408/) (2013)
- [Doing good vs. avoiding bad in prosocial choice: A refined test and extension of the morality preference hypothesis](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1805.02903/) (2018)
- [Lying on networks: The role of structure and topology in promoting honesty](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2002.11034/) (2020)
- [Social versus Moral preferences in the Ultimatum Game: A theoretical model and an experiment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1804.01044/) (2018)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Language-based game theory in the age of artificial intelligence](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.08944/) (2024)
- [Social physics in the age of artificial intelligence](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.16900/) (2026)
- [Human behaviour through a LENS: How Linguistic content triggers Emotions and Norms and determines Strategy choices](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.15293/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We review the literature on models that try to explain human behavior in social interactions described by normal-form games with monetary payoffs. We start by covering social and moral preferences. We then focus on the growing body of research showing that people react to the language in which actions are described, especially when it activates moral concerns. We conclude by arguing that behavioral economics is in the midst of a paradigm shift towards language-based preferences, which will require an exploration of new models and experimental setups.