Experts
Jonathan Haidt
Professor, University of Virginia
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Learn about the basic software of your mind and you will develop moral humility. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Inspiration & Wisdom
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We did not evolve simply to fight with each other. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In History
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We all think we are right, and so does everybody else. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Arts & Culture, Belief, Inspiration & Wisdom, Love, Sex, & Happiness, Politics & Policy
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The Future of the American Political System
Despite its faults, politics still gives Jonathan Haidt reason to hope. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Politics & Policy
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Humanity needs common goals and ideals. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Belief, Science & Tech
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According to Haidt, we are the products of a complex evolutionary story that we do not fully grasp. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Belief, Inspiration & Wisdom, Science & Tech
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The Definition of Self-Righteousness
Because thinking is for doing, we search for evidence that supports our opinions, not the other way around. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Inspiration & Wisdom, Love, Sex, & Happiness
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The Most Powerful Source of Happiness
The Enlightenment's focus on the individual has left us feeling all alone. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Arts & Culture, Love, Sex, & Happiness
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Happiness requires more than extended periods of pleasure. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Love, Sex, & Happiness
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Jonathan Haidt speaks about happiness and how nothing is good or bad. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Belief, Love, Sex, & Happiness
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Philosophy does not explain the meaning of life, psychology does. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In Life & Death
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No dysfunction needed: a normal childhood led to Jonathan Haidt's exploration of happiness. Read More
June 11, 2008 | In History, Love, Sex, & Happiness
I am an Associate Professor in the Social Psychology area of the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia. I study morality and emotion, and how they vary across cultures. I am also active in positive psychology (the scientific study of human flourishing) and study positive emotions such as moral elevation, admiration, and awe.
My research these days focuses on the moral foundations of politics, and on ways to transcend the “culture wars” by using recent discoveries in moral psychology to foster more civil forms of politics. Morality, by its very nature, makes it hard to study morality. It binds people together into teams that seek victory, not truth. It closes hearts and minds to opponents even as it makes cooperation and decency possible within groups.
