Skip to main content

Psychology Professor's Book Review Published

Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Dr. Jamie McMinn, Westminster College associate professor of psychology, authored "Understanding the Antecedents, Consequences, and Development of Morality in a Seemingly Immoral World," published in the February issue of the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology.

The book review offers a critical evaluation of The Social Psychology of Morality: Exploring the Causes of Good and Evil edited by Mario Mikulincer and Phillip R. Shaver.  The book's authors describe current theory and research on morality, good, and evil, with a focus on the complexity of defining moral behavior/reasoning and their intra- and interpersonal antecedents and consequences. 

The themes of (im)morality, good, and evil are common in many Westminster courses, including Inquiry (a first-semester course that introduces students to the life of the mind and engages them in liberal learning) and Introductory Psychology.

"The book's connection to several psychology capstone projects, Inquiry readings, and discussions of moral development in other courses led me to accept the book review editor's invitation to review," McMinn said.  "Hopefully, my summary and analysis will help students and other audiences appreciate the book's contributions and support for their own research and learning."

McMinn, who joined Westminster in 2003, earned an undergraduate degree from Emory & Henry College and master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Contact McMinn at (724) 946-7121 or email for additional information.

Dr. Jamie McMinn