The Sapien Institute explores how general principles (laws, morals, principles, etc.) interact with specific contexts in decision-making. We call this the challenge of the Universal and Particular (UnP).
What We Study
We examine questions such as:
When and how do rules bend for unique situations?
How do moral intuitions interact with established principles?
How can decision systems evolve while maintaining coherence?
While our primary focus is law and policy, we bridge cognitive science, anthropology, and legal studies to understand how abstract reasoning shapes decisions in both humans and AI agents.
Law - with the big L - transcends simple rule-making. It functions as cultural artifacts that provide windows into human behavior and our cognitive processes.
Our goal is to ensure that both human and AI agents make not only accurate and fair choices, but wise choices that reflect the complexities of our interconnected lives and embody a commitment to kindness. Through rigorous research and interdisciplinary collaboration, we strive to develop frameworks that enhance our understanding of these critical issues, fostering a more just and informed society.