Moral Psychology
About Moral Psychology
Our Program and Courses
Moral psychology is a major within F&M’s Scientific and Philosophical Studies of Mind program. Employing a mixture of philosophy, psychology, sociology, government, religious studies, and more, you’ll explore questions such as: What does it take for a life to be significant or meaningful? Is moral sense innate or learned? How do humans assess others’ behavior and determine punishment for certain actions? You’ll build a perspective of moral psychology partly informed by cognitive science, bridging sciences and humanities to delve into the inner workings of the mind, and form a sturdy foundation of understanding that no single discipline alone could provide.
By the time you graduate, you will have acquired:
- An understanding of the major theories in moral psychology
- A broad perspective of the nature of the mind informed by both moral psychology and cognitive science
- An understanding of the complexity of the approaches and perspectives involved in studying the nature and function of the mind
- The ability to construct, evaluate, and critique philosophical arguments and accounts
- Skills in scientific research, including the ability to form research questions, collect data, and analyze and interpret results
- The ability to think, write, and speak clearly and logically
Curious to see what a course in moral psychology is like? From psychology to government and from sociology to philosophy, check out our course catalog to see how moral psychology courses bridge the sciences and humanities.
Learning Outside the Classroom
In moral psychology, you’ll find faculty who are energized and invigorated by blending fields of study in cutting-edge scholarship, discussion, and research — and who are just as excited to bring you aboard. Our professors are committed to extending your learning beyond the classroom, helping you discover research and study-abroad opportunities to hone your skills in critical thinking and philosophical analysis.
Research Opportunities
You’ll find that all students at F&M enjoy extraordinary opportunities to engage in research and independent study. As a moral psychology major, you can join your professors’ research projects, leaving
your footprint on what often are years-long endeavors.
Explore research at F&M
Off-Campus Study
Previous moral psychology majors have taken courses abroad, including studying cognitive
science in Hungary and child development in Denmark. They have also spent semesters
in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
Learn to think clearly and creatively about the big questions: the nature of meaning,
morality, justice, art, the mind, knowledge, language, and reality. By studying philosophy
at F&M, you’ll search for understanding while discovering how to value the reason
for an answer as much as the answer itself. Embark on a journey of the mind and learn all about why we do the things we do. From
non-human animal behavior to language development and neurological impairment, your
time spent studying psychology at F&M will unlock a whole new world of understanding
of how the brain works. One field of study engages in all sorts of questions about people, institutions, and
social structures: sociology. How does power operate in society? How do politics shape
our lives? How and why have family relationships changed over time? As a student of
sociology, you will explore these interactions to better understand how they shape
the world and cultures that we live in.Student Spotlight
“I was really interested in social dynamics like racial perception, gender perceptions,
stereotyping and bias from a psychological perspective.”
Moral psychology major Mary Fouad ’24 was already passionate about social dynamics
and bias when she found herself involved in the Developing Moral Values Lab, which
studies the development of morality in children. “I was really interested in social
dynamics like racial perception, gender perceptions, stereotyping and bias from a
psychological perspective,” Fouad said. “I got in contact with Professor [Josh] Rottman,
who’s the head of the Developing Moral Values Lab, which I’ve been a part of ever
since. I get to look at how children develop morality. Right now, we’re doing a study
on speciesism and how children view the value of animals that are close to us, like
pets versus strangers.”
Read More »Research Spotlight
Child-Robot Research Merges Psychology and Technology
Several F&M students participated in research with Associate Professor of Psychology
Lauren Howard and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Jason “Willie” Wilson to
test robot-child interaction and learning. The study merges research on children’s
social learning and the use of robot assistance for vulnerable populations to give
insights into the future of education.
Read More »Related Fields of Study
Philosophy
Psychology
Sociology
Moral Psychology in the Spotlight
March 12, 2024
Mary Fouad ’24 Discovered Her Purpose While Studying Abroad
“Financial aid allowed me to study abroad and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences that inspire me to dedicate my career to doing good for the people often overlooked,” says F&M senior Mary Fouad.
July 10, 2023
Child-Robot Research Merges Psychology and Technology
Learn how F&M students conducted an interdisciplinary graduate-level study and gained valuable insights into the future of education.
October 14, 2021
Research Fair: Senior Studies Hope, Solidarity and Cognition
Moral psychology major Maceo Whatley '22 worked with Assistant Professor of Psychology Elana Cuffari and George Fourlas, visiting assistant professor of philosophy and government, on individual projects and an ongoing, joint project centered around microagressions, implicit bias and anti-racist ethics.