ABSTRACT
In moral psychology, many suggestions have been given regarding the nature of morality as a personality trait and as a biological phenomenon. Discussing both historical and contemporary theories, a bottom-up genetically influenced theoretical synthesis for morality is proposed. At the centre are the four pillars of morality: the dual moral emotion systems found in empathetic distress and the rage and fear systems and the two modulators found in executive control and openness. These are evolutionary safe bets, that is, genetically influenced adaptations that enable moral development and that help shape and push the learning process forward. More specifically, while the emotion systems serve as the moral domain, the modulators affect moral learning by directing attention, controlling thought and making us crave exploration of the internal and external moral universe. The result is a mature disposition, that is, passionate yet controlled and curious, while firmly rooted in the moral emotions.