This multidisciplinary research program will attempt to develop a new theoretical paradigm for the understanding of morality in politics, with a particular emphasis on the role of moral conviction in political attitude formation. The innovative aspects of the research are in its attempt to form a new theoretical framework that integrates literature from philosophy, psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience, the collection of original experimental and correlational data, designed to optimize both external and internal validity, and the use of a combination of methodological approaches to empirically test the theory. The ultimate goal of this project is to produce a book manuscript and a series of journal articles based on the novel theory, data and methods. In addition, an international conference will be organized on the topic, in order to promote and advance the research and tighten the ties in this field across the EU. Lastly, additional grant applications addressed at establishing an Experimental Laboratory of Political Studies at Hebrew University, devoted to cutting edge experimental research in political science, will be based on the products of this project. Being situated in Jerusalem, the laboratory will provide students with opportunities to apply their learning to real life political phenomena, and is expected to attract exchange students from Europe and the United States.