Wake Forest University study will spend three years trying to define what makes someone 'morally exceptional'
'At the heart of this project is figuring out what makes people good'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A group of researchers at Wake Forest University has been awarded a $3.9 million grant to look for "moral superstars".
According to the university, the money will fund a three-year initiative called "The Beacon Project" to find and define the "morally exceptional".
This includes competitions for psychology, philosophy and theology scholars around the world, conferences and a summer seminar.
As well as those publicly recognised for "moral virtue", the team will look at "next-door neighbour" moral heroes who they feel have not received enough widespread attention.
William F. Fleeson, the Wake Forest psychology professor leading the team, said: "A lot of attention has been paid to intellectual genius, but the morally exceptional represent a form of ‘genius’ that also deserves attention."
He denied the study would push any kind of "agenda", saying the team of researchers includes “liberals, conservatives, Christians and non-Christians".
"At the heart of this project is figuring out what makes people good,"professor of psychology R. Michael Furr said.
"What are the psychological, cultural and spiritual factors that make people morally excellent? We are hoping what we do can lay the foundation for how we can foster these attributes."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments