Jonathan Haidt

Presentations by Jonathan Haidt explore patterns of human behavior, specifically in the realm of moral psychology.

Haidt earned his Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. Still, he is probably most well known for his book, 'The Happiness Hypothesis.' In this book he seeks to demonstrate the relevance that ancient ideas of happiness have in the modern age.

Academically, Haidt is widely known for a theory he terms 'Moral Foundations Theory.' The theory forwards that morality stems from six dichotomies including: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation and liberty/oppression. Presentations by Jonathan Haidt draw on material such as this to provide insight into contemporary and contentious issues in politics and society.