Psychological Science: The Cost of Moral Intuition

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Prerequisites: PSYS 2002; and PSYS 2100 or PSYS 2200 or PSYS 2300 or PSYS 2400 or PSYS 2500.

Prereqs: (PSYS 2000 or PSYS 2002) and PSYS 2500; Junior and Senior class standing only; PSYS majors and minors only; Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations. PACE students by permission and override

For Fall, I will develop a PSYS 3000-level seminar titled "The Cost of Moral Intuition." This course takes a critical look at how our instinctive moral judgments—what Jonathan Haidt terms moral intuitions—may actually impede our capacity for empathy, particularly toward individuals who hold different values or beliefs. Moral intuitions are fast, automatic responses shaped by emotional, cultural, and developmental influences. Empathy, by contrast, demands conscious effort, perspective-taking, and openness to others’ experiences. The seminar will investigate how overreliance on moral intuition can lead to reflexive judgments that undermine the deliberate, cognitive, and emotional labor required for authentic empathy. Through readings, discussions, and case studies, students will explore the psychological and social consequences of this tension and consider evidence-based strategies for bridging moral divides. The course may also include practical components on facilitating “difficult conversations” across ideological differences.

Expectations for Student Engagement As an upper-level seminar, this course assumes high intellectual engagement and academic responsibility. Students enrolled in this course are expected to: Participate actively in seminar discussions, demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the material and respect for diverse viewpoints. Complete all assigned readings before class sessions and come prepared to discuss and critique the material in depth. Write analytically, emphasizing developing and defending arguments, integrating course concepts, and engaging scholarly sources. Demonstrate independent thinking by formulating original questions, offering insights, and making interdisciplinary or real-world connections. Undertake a final project or paper that reflects critical synthesis and independent application of course themes. Model professionalism through regular attendance, timely submission of work, and adherence to academic integrity standards.

Evaluation and Grading Criteria Student performance in this seminar will be assessed through a combination of participation, reading comprehension, and independent research. Evaluation components include: Attendance and Participation (30%) Active, consistent engagement in seminar discussions is essential. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive prepared, and contribute thoughtfully to class dialogue. Reading Quizzes (30%) Periodic quizzes will assess students’ understanding of the assigned readings and encourage consistent preparation. These will focus on key concepts, arguments, and themes from the texts. Final Paper (40%) Students will complete a final paper that demonstrates critical engagement with course themes. The paper should integrate psychological theory and research, reflect independent thinking, and offer a well-supported argument related to the central questions of the seminar.