In the linguistic sub-project, we focus on examining linguistic patterns of moralizations in discourses on artificial intelligence, energy security, and food security. We understand moralizations as an argumentative strategy where an argument is supported by a universally accepted value such as freedom or justice. We develop quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to determine how widespread moralizations are, what linguistic features they exhibit in discourses about socio-scientific issues, what communicative functions they fulfill, and which values actors refer to. Our goal is to operationalize the practice of moralizing linguistically and to develop methods for the automated identification and analysis of moralizations. 

In the communication science sub-project, we examine different forms of moralizations in public debates about socio-scientific issues in the fields of artificial intelligence, energy security, and food security. We investigate the conditions under which moral convictions arise and their effects on the willingness to compromise and engage in discourse among people participating in these discussions.