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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Articles 1 - 9 of 9

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Common Storytelling Elements In The Journeys Of Heroes And Villains, Scott T. Allison Dec 2014

Common Storytelling Elements In The Journeys Of Heroes And Villains, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

In this paper, we review similarities and differences between the classic storytelling arc of heroes and that of villains. We propose some basic differences between the hero's journey and the villain's journey but conclude that the main difference resides in a temporal staggering of the two characters' journeys.


Defining Heroism: Objectively Possible Or In The Eye Of The Beholder?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals Dec 2014

Defining Heroism: Objectively Possible Or In The Eye Of The Beholder?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals

Scott T. Allison

A number of scholars have attempted to define heroism (see Franco, Blau, & Zimbardo, 2011). We applaud these efforts while also agreeing with Joseph Campbell (1988) that heroism is ultimately in the eye of the beholder.


The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison Dec 2014

The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

In this article I describe the nascent field of heroism science, as part of a broader movement for the promotion of heroism in 21st century societies. I identify several markers of its emergence and offer reasons why the science is now coalescing into an established and autonomous field of inquiry. Moreover, I discuss the importance of maintaining a dynamic symbiotic relationship between the research and activist wings of the heroism movement. The aims and scope of heroism science are discussed, and reasons are offered for producing a science that is inclusive, transdisciplinary, and risk-taking. I examine all these issues within …


Pocahontas: The Unknown And Underestimated Hero Of Central Virginia, Meghan N. Dillon Dec 2014

Pocahontas: The Unknown And Underestimated Hero Of Central Virginia, Meghan N. Dillon

Scott T. Allison

The purpose of this chapter is to dispel some of the false perceptions of Pocahontas and elaborate on her many acts of selflessness during the early colonization of Virginia. These actions added up to a meaningful life of heroism. Through the use of various scholarly articles and sources, we can attempt to understand her heroism as it pertains to her relationship with the English colonizers sent by the Virginia Company. Pocahontas’ contributions to the heroic history of Richmond largely go unnoticed, but it is this chapter’s aim to bring her and all of her varied accomplishments into the light. Without …


What Is Your Purpose In Life?, Scott T. Allison Dec 2014

What Is Your Purpose In Life?, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

Joseph Campbell (1949) did more than outline the stages of the hero's journey; he proposed that all human beings are on such a journey. We show how the hero's path mirrors stages of human lifespan development. This parallel suggests that human beings' life purpose is to live the life of a hero, including (1) embarking on a journey; (2) growing from adversity; (3) assembling a team of allies; and (4) giving back to society.


The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison Dec 2014

The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

In this article I describe the nascent field of heroism science, as part of a broader movement for the promotion of heroism in 21st century societies. I identify several markers of its emergence and offer reasons why the science is now coalescing into an established and autonomous field of inquiry. Moreover, I discuss the importance of maintaining a dynamic symbiotic relationship between the research and activist wings of the heroism movement. The aims and scope of heroism science are discussed, and reasons are offered for producing a science that is inclusive, transdisciplinary, and risk-taking. I examine all these issues within …


The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison Dec 2014

The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

In this article I describe the emergent field of heroism science. I identify several markers of its emergence and offer reasons why the science is now coalescing into an established and autonomous field of inquiry. Moreover, I discuss the importance of maintaining a dynamic symbiotic relationship between the scientific and activist wings of the heroism movement. The aims and scope of heroism science are discussed, and reasons are offered for producing a science that is inclusive, transdisciplinary, and risk-taking. I examine all these issues within the metaphorical framework of initiation.


Does The Villain's Journey Mirror The Hero's Journey?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals Dec 2014

Does The Villain's Journey Mirror The Hero's Journey?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals

Scott T. Allison

We propose that the villain's journey both parallels, and is the inverse of, the hero's journey.


Suffering And Sacrifice: Individual And Collective Benefits, And Implications For Leadership, Scott T. Allison, Gwen Setterberg Dec 2014

Suffering And Sacrifice: Individual And Collective Benefits, And Implications For Leadership, Scott T. Allison, Gwen Setterberg

Scott T. Allison

In this chapter, we review the ways in which suffering and sacrifice are beneficial to human beings. In our review, we draw from both ancient and modern spiritual traditions and a large body of psychological research on the determinants of happiness and mental health. Our review is necessarily an abbreviated one; a thorough treatment of this topic would surely fill an entire volume. This chapter represents an initial attempt to illuminate basic insights, using broad brushstrokes, about the ways in which suffering and sacrifice contribute to people’s emotional, behavioral, and spiritual wellness. In addition to describing the psychological and spiritual …