Recent advances in the social sciences point to a variety of character traits or dispositions that may predispose people to positive interpersonal relationships. Some philosophers have referred to these traits as "virtues" - i.e., individual dispositions that prepare people for success in the social realm. Traits such as trust, generosity, faith, empathy, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and honesty are traits that one would ascribe to individual persons to varying degrees. Society and its institutions socialize people toward the acquisition and expression of these virtues because they are presumed to enhance helping behavior. How are these other-regarding virtues connected to personality and behavior, and to mental, physical, and social well-being? Religions and spiritualities provide many people with social and psychological resources that encourage virtues such as love. Proposals for studies are welcomed that investigate how this takes place - e.g., the extent to which spiritual moments (e.g., mystical states, peak experiences, experiences of awe or reverence) produce loving motivations and behavior.

Click to download the complete RFP