What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to demonstrate that simple, foundational ethical principles can effectively govern AI safety issues.

April 10, 2026Open Access

The Kindergarten Principle: Why AI Ethics Should Be As Simple As What You Learned in First Grade

Key Points

The aim is to demonstrate that simple, foundational ethical principles can effectively govern AI safety issues.
Mapped ethical concepts from the Ten Commandments to AI safety concerns.
Applied principles of developmental psychology to ethical reasoning.
Developed the ACEA Framework and IESI branding for AI ethics.
Proposes that kindergarten-level rules could address 95% of AI safety challenges.
Demonstrates the effectiveness of simplicity in AI governance models.

Abstract

Argues that the most effective AI governance is the simplest. Maps the Ten Commandments to AI safety concerns and draws on developmental psychology to propose that kindergarten-level ethical rules cover 95 percent of AI safety challenges. Presents the design philosophy behind the ACEA Framework and IESI branding.

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Authors

Michael Moosbrugger

IESI Research Team

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National Institute of Standards

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The Kindergarten Principle: Why AI Ethics Should Be As Simple As What You Learned in First Grade

Key Points

Abstract

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Discussion

Authors

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

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