C062

Prosocial Honesty Norm

B08 Empathy & Prosociality
Core LayerMML-2

Version v1.3.2

Definition

How internally binding truthfulness and transparency are in relationships and agreements, as a value and social norm.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Instrumental dishonesty: honesty is flexible and instrumental; lying/distortion is acceptable for gain or comfort.

High Pole

Honesty is principled; deception feels like damage to trust and inner integrity; transparency is preferred.

Reference

Honesty is important, with rare exceptions (e.g., “not to harm”) while preserving baseline trust.

Measure

Lie-acceptability threshold: the conditions under which lying is judged permissible and chosen.

Measuring Methods

• Moral-choice scenarios with varying “truth cost.”
• Behavior audit: small-truth reliability, agreement fidelity.
• Conflict-of-interest observation: tendency to distort facts.

Empirical Anchor

Honesty-humility factor (Ashton & Lee, 2007); HEXACO H-factor; prosocial honesty norms.

Notes

• Distinct from social courage: one can be honest and timid, or bold and dishonest.
• Risks at MIN: trust breakdown; toxic relationships.
• Risks at MAX: rigidity; bluntness without tact.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Prosocial Honesty Norm (HES Passport C062, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C062

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C062, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Prosocial Honesty Norm}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C062, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C062}} }