We study the cognitive science of human sociality. Some of the questions currently driving our research include: How do we learn from each other, and how does this contribute to the development of cultures over time? How do humans make sense of each others’ behavior? How do we come to agreements, and how do agreements structure our understanding of right and wrong? Why, and how, did punishment evolve? Among all the things we could do at any moment, how do we decide which ones are worth considering? What are the emotional systems that prevent us from doing harm to each other?

The lab is directed by Fiery Cushman and housed in the psychology department at Harvard University. On this site you can learn more about who we are and the research we do, download publications, and find out how to get involved.