One Among Many

The self in social context

Joachim Krueger is a social psychologist at Brown University who believes that rational thinking and socially responsible behavior are attainable goals. See full bio

February 16, 2009

Free will! Can I have one?

Psychology continues to be torn between the idea that behavior is lawfully determined and the idea that humans are in charge of their own behavior (at least some of the time). Roy Baumeister has recently begun to argue that the science of empirical psychology can accommodate freely willed behavior. I review some of his arguments and explain why I am not convinced. Read More

January 31, 2009

No Dog Delusion

The line between humans and other animals has a way of getting blurred. When I had to put my cocker spaniel Kirby to sleep this morning, it got me thinking. How special are we (they!)? Read More

January 10, 2009

Your inner voice never lies. But does it know what it is talking about?

Trust your inner voice and follow your bliss (Joseph Campbell). This advice sounds good and New-Aging psychologists love to give it. How does psychological science respond? Hint: By trying to curb your enthusiasm. Read More

January 1, 2009

Troubles With Determinism

I often hear the claim "Everything happens for a reason." How is one to respond? In this post I try to give an answer. Read More

December 29, 2008

Report on a self-help workshop

I have been wondering about the relation between the self-help culture and academic psychology. I attended a one-day seminar on health and realized how different these two cultures are. ALthough I came away with some worthwhile lessons, I found some of the claims and the rhetoric puzzling and even offensive. See my report. Read More