PSYCH 466The Psychology of Evil

3 credits · Psychology · Penn State

This seminar will provide a critical study of evil from a psychological science perspective: how to define evil; popular perceptions about evil; the motivations people have to commit evil acts; the situational and personal factors that remove restraints to commit evil acts; and, the process of healing (forgiveness/reconciliation) after evil. By reading primary and secondary literature, we will critically think about these important, empirical questions about human nature. This course will wrestle with provocative questions about human nature. Are humans basically motivated to be good, evil, or both? Who should we trust more in recounting evil actions: victims or perpetrators (or neither)? Does "pure evil" exist? Can we ever completely stop evil from happening? How do we heal after experiencing evil?