Cui Bono

Free Will

When Disagreements Are Caused by Talking Past Each Other

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on May 16, 2024

When smart people looking at the same evidence disagree, the reason might be that they define basic concepts differently and talk past each other.

When smart people looking at the same evidence disagree, the reason might be that they define basic concepts differently and talk past each other.

Free Will

Robert Sapolsky and Kevin Mitchell Diverge on Free Will

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on April 3, 2024

Robert Sapolsky and Kevin Mitchell, two experts on the evolution of the brain, have written books reaching opposite conclusions about free will.

Robert Sapolsky and Kevin Mitchell, two experts on the evolution of the brain, have written books reaching opposite conclusions about free will.

Openness

Prejudice, Social Tolerance, and Openness to Experience

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on January 15, 2024

People who are open to experience are less prejudiced and more tolerant. This post explains which aspects of openness are the strongest predictors of prejudice and tolerance.

People who are open to experience are less prejudiced and more tolerant. This post explains which aspects of openness are the strongest predictors of prejudice and tolerance.

Ethics and Morality

The Psychology of (In)Equality and Fairness

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on September 27, 2023

Does everyone deserve to have about the same amount of wealth, or do some people deserve more wealth? This article explores why feelings about this issue differ.

Does everyone deserve to have about the same amount of wealth, or do some people deserve more wealth? This article explores why feelings about this issue differ.

Ethics and Morality

A Psychological Theory of Moral Truth

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on July 6, 2023

Strong feelings about right and wrong trick us into thinking we possess moral truths when we do not. Understanding why we mistake feelings for truth can improve our interactions.

Strong feelings about right and wrong trick us into thinking we possess moral truths when we do not. Understanding why we mistake feelings for truth can improve our interactions.

Ethics and Morality

The Role of Autonomy in Moral Behavior

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on April 11, 2023

Adhering to inner moral standards and being sensitive to others can still cause harm. Autonomy makes healthy outcomes more likely.

Adhering to inner moral standards and being sensitive to others can still cause harm. Autonomy makes healthy outcomes more likely.

Personality

The Development of Responsiveness to Outer Expectations

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on January 29, 2023

Exploring what we know about the development of responsiveness to others' expectations and how this responsiveness can be a positive or negative influence in our lives.

Exploring what we know about the development of responsiveness to others' expectations and how this responsiveness can be a positive or negative influence in our lives.

Parenting

Where Do Your Expectations of Yourself Come From?

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on December 11, 2022

The Four Tendencies describe differences in responsiveness to your own inner expectations and others' expectations. This post explains where inner expectations come from.

The Four Tendencies describe differences in responsiveness to your own inner expectations and others' expectations. This post explains where inner expectations come from.

Personality

Science Supports the Usefulness of Knowing How to Respond to Expectations

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on November 22, 2022

Contrary to claims that the Four Tendencies are unscientific, there is scientific support for the four personality types and why knowing your type is useful.

Contrary to claims that the Four Tendencies are unscientific, there is scientific support for the four personality types and why knowing your type is useful.

Relationships

Why We Argue and How to Stop

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on August 15, 2022

Do you want to transform damaging arguments into healthy disagreements that improve relationships?

Do you want to transform damaging arguments into healthy disagreements that improve relationships?

Personality

Thoughts: The Neglected Aspect of Personality

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on May 13, 2022

Personality includes consistent thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Why is there scarce research on personality thoughts?

Personality includes consistent thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Why is there scarce research on personality thoughts?

Optimism

Decoding Behavior With Thoughts and Feelings

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on February 22, 2022

The meaning of a behavioral personality pattern might seem obvious. But behavioral patterns cannot be fully understood without knowing underlying thoughts and emotions.

The meaning of a behavioral personality pattern might seem obvious. But behavioral patterns cannot be fully understood without knowing underlying thoughts and emotions.

We tend to believe in moral truths. If moral truths exist, then there is always a correct resolution to conflict that advances goodness for all. Without truths, we must compromise.

We are not aware of external or internal reality-as-it-really-is. Rather, we hallucinate these realities in a way that allows us to function in the world.

Gratitude

Cultivating Compassion, Attention, and Gratitude

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on October 5, 2021

Learning unnatural attitudes such as compassion for mean people is not only possible but a key skill for improving your wellbeing.

Learning unnatural attitudes such as compassion for mean people is not only possible but a key skill for improving your wellbeing.

Ethics and Morality

Moral-Political Polarity and Its Origin

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on June 14, 2021

There is a polarity in human thought and feeling that includes, but is much larger than, the political left-right divide. It may depend on our perceptions of safety and bounty.

There is a polarity in human thought and feeling that includes, but is much larger than, the political left-right divide. It may depend on our perceptions of safety and bounty.

Psychology

When Men Behave Badly: A Summary of Problem Behaviors

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on March 29, 2021

David Buss shows how evolutionary psychology does not justify men's bad behavior but explains how that behavior can be changed. Part 2 of a 3-part book review.

David Buss shows how evolutionary psychology does not justify men's bad behavior but explains how that behavior can be changed. Part 2 of a 3-part book review.

Evolutionary Psychology

When Men Behave Badly: How Evolutionary Psychology Can Help

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on March 29, 2021

Part 3 of 3: David Buss shows how evolutionary psychology does not justify men's bad behavior but explains how that behavior can be changed.

Part 3 of 3: David Buss shows how evolutionary psychology does not justify men's bad behavior but explains how that behavior can be changed.

Psychology

A Review of When Men Behave Badly by David Buss: The Background

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on March 28, 2021

David Buss shows how evolutionary psychology explains behavior and how that behavior can be changed. Part 1 of a three-part book review.

David Buss shows how evolutionary psychology explains behavior and how that behavior can be changed. Part 1 of a three-part book review.

Personality

Are Your Values a Part of Your Personality?

John A. Johnson Ph.D. on March 5, 2021

Your values are what you care about the most, what really matters to you. But personality psychologists rarely include values as a part of personality. This is why.

Your values are what you care about the most, what really matters to you. But personality psychologists rarely include values as a part of personality. This is why.