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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 …


The Hero's Journey, Transformation, And Spirituality, Scott T. Allison Dec 2014

The Hero's Journey, Transformation, And Spirituality, Scott T. Allison

Scott T. Allison

Identifying missing qualities and acquiring them is essential for heroes to succeed with their missions. The discovery (or recovery) of these attributes is the basis for the personal transformation that the hero undergoes during the journey. The most satisfying heroes we encounter in storytelling and in real life are heroes who experience this transformative discovery of their missing quality.


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 Movie Action Hero, Adrian Lam Dec 2014

The Movie Action Hero, Adrian Lam

Scott T. Allison

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that details how to craft a compelling action hero movie based on empirical psychological research. The paper defines a compelling action hero movie as a movie with an action hero protagonist that maximizes narrative transportation, persuasion and enjoyment.


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.