Are people naturally good or evil? How much of our mental life is unconscious? Are our desires hard-wired by evolution? Renowned psychologist and Yale University professor Paul Bloom explores the big ideas in Psychology through three case studies that examine our notions of compassion, racism and sex. From the origins of human kindness in babies and adults, to the social psychology and neuroscience behind racism, and the role our desires and cultural milieu play in choosing our mate, Bloom provides meaningful insights into how psychological research can enhance and improve our everyday lives.

Paul Bloom is a fellow of the American Psychological Society and the author of three books, including the recent How Pleasure Works: The New Science of Why We Like What We Like. He has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, American Scientist, and The Atlantic, among other publications. He has appeared on BigThink.com and is a regular on National Public Radio.

The Floating University is a newly formed educational entity bringing the finest teachers across a broad array of fields into a single lecture series that serves up a mezze-plate introduction to the worlds most important ideas and disciplines. The series is produced by Big Think (www.bigthink.com), a global knowledge forum where experts at the top of their fields engage with the public about the critical questions of our time.

FREE using discount code FUPB at http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=PSY8.