Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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

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

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 …

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

Scott T. Allison

The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

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

Scott T. Allison

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