If psychology professors have fans, I’m his.

If psychology professors have fans, I’m his. I have never met Professor Paul Bloom, but I am a big fan. 

Dr. Bloom is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology & Cognitive Science at Yale U. His Introductory Psychology lectures at Yale are first rate. His research with Dr. Karen Wynn into the origins of morality was featured in a recent 60 Minutes piece called “Babies help unlock the origins of morality.” Watch it. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57551557/babies-help-unlock-the-origins-of-morality/

I did not go to Yale, however, I watch Dr. Bloom online. In fact, I watch his lectures again and again. He is interesting and engaging, but I watch because he is very clear and he gets right to the big issues that we discuss in my class. Dr. Bloom’s lectures and his own research presume that Evolution provides the best framework for understanding the Mind – even our morality, consciousness, and religion. He is very clear.

I don’t think Dr. Bloom and I would ever hang out; we ultimately could not disagree more. I think his interpretations are wrong and he thinks mine are too. But he is the professor I think of when I say and write “prepare your students.” If they aren’t ready for Dr. Bloom, they aren’t ready.