Graduation Date
12-2015
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Humanities and Cultural Studies
Department or Program Chair
Chase B. Clow, PhD
First Reader
Gay Lynch, PhD
Abstract
Since time immemorial, humankind has struggled to coexist peacefully together. As human beings, we strive on our relationships with each other and, yet, with actions of hatred and prejudice, we seem to consistently destroy those very relationships we value so deeply. Our current society is plagued by fear, which seems to run more rampant now – more than ever – with assistance of our rapidly evolving communication technology. The question must be asked, “How can we end this madness and heal ourselves into a kinder and more fulfilling future?” By providing up-to-date scientific research on the human emotions of compassion, forgiveness, wonder and awe, I will show how the existence and awareness of these emotions can positively impact our current global society and substantially lessen the hold that fear so often has on humanity. I will also provide current examples of existing smaller societies that have adopted this behavioral model and have begun to flourish. Lastly, I will explore some of the teachings from various renowned spiritual leaders who espouse the crucial importance of these emotions in our world today.
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Other Arts and Humanities Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Political Science Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons, Social Policy Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons