Moral Foundations of Self and Change I

Catalog description

This course provides an introductory overview of literature pertaining to the broad question of whether, when, and how human beings can change themselves for the better. For instance, what allows some people to overcome their drug or alcohol addictions; pursue a meaningful new career after decades of stagnating under the weight of severe depression; or go out and make new friends after a lifetime of crippling social anxiety? And how do we help the many others who struggle to make these changes? In starting to grapple with these questions, students will become acquainted with a range of theories and evidence from the psychotherapy process and outcome literature, as well as the broader philosophical and psychological literature on moral and epistemic responsibility, self-regulation, identity, and personality change.