Taking Moral Action

Provides a systematic framework for understanding and shaping moral action

Taking Moral Action offers a timely and comprehensive overview of the emerging field of moral psychology, introducing readers to one of the most vibrant areas of research in contemporary psychology. With an inclusive and interdisciplinaryapproach, authors Chuck Huff and Almut Furchert incorporate a wide range of scholarly traditions, philosophical theories, empirical findings, and practical moral writings to explore the complex network of influences, contexts, and processes involved in producing and structuring moral action.

Integrating key empirical and theoretical literature, this unique volume helps readers grasp the different aspects of both habitual and intentional acts of moral action. Thematically organized chapters examine moral action in contexts such as evolution, moral ecology, personality, moral identity and the self, moral reason, moral emotion, and more. Each chapter features a discussion of how neuroscience underlies or supports the influence and process addressed. Throughout the book, historical stories of moral action and examples of humanistic and experiential traditions of moral formation highlight what is possible, relevant, and appropriate in taking moral action in a variety of settings.

• Explores the relationships between moral psychology, empirical psychology, philosophy, and theology
• Considers the various ways that individuals experience and construct moral identity
• Emphasizes the practical application of the science of morality in service of moral good
• Reviews cultural, organizational, group, and social influences to investigate how individuals actively shape their moral environment
• Discusses the role of emotions in morality and considers if individuals can change or train their emotional responses

Taking Moral Action is essential reading for those new to the field and experienced practitioners alike. Containing extensive references and links to further readings, Taking Moral Action is also an excellent textbook for college and university courses in areas such as psychology, ethics, theology, philosophy, anthropology, and neuroscience.

Chuck Huff is a Professor of Psychology at St. Olaf College, where he teaches courses in social psychology, ethical issues in softcare design, the psychology of good and evil, and the psychology of religion. He has published research on moral psychology, the psychology of spirituality, gender, and computing, and the social effects of electronic interaction.

Almut Furchert is a scholar and philosopher with graduate degrees in Philosophy of Religion and the Psychological Sciences. She has held academic positions at the Technical University of Munich, the Munich School of Philosophy, and the Hong Kierkegaard Library. Her research interests include the intersection of philosophy, theology, psychology and religion.