Sheridan Professor is lead author of research review that explains why advancing study of the mind should be a global priority

OAKVILLE, ON, June 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Nathaniel Barr, a professor of creativity and creative thinking at Sheridan College, has published a chapter entitled Why Reason Matters:  Connecting Research on Human Reason to the Challenges of the Anthropocene, co-authored with Gordon Pennycook, a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University.  In it, the authors synthesize a large body of research to reveal how the study of human reason is related to the most pressing issues of our time.

Nathaniel Barr, Lead Author (CNW Group/Sheridan College)

Their review shows that issues which threaten our well-being and existence—like climate change, pollution, economic and social disruption due to emerging technologies, political polarization, misinformation and fake news, inequality, and large scale conflict—are deeply connected to research on human morality, belief, creativity, cooperation, and technology use. 

"In the Anthropocene, an era of the planet defined by human impact, the mind is related to both the causes of and solutions to our biggest challenges." said Nathaniel Barr, the chapter's lead author. "The questions of how to use technology in a way that maximizes human ability and welfare, how to foster creativity, how to promote ethical and sustainable behaviour, and how to unite people of diverse beliefs to encourage cooperation, all demand answers in this globalized and technologically advanced age. The study of human reason and its applications hold great promise in this pursuit."

While their chapter shows the work in this area to be fruitful, the authors believe more can be done. On the basis of their review, it is concluded that to aid our species' continued survival and success, greater investment is needed in both basic research and applications that leverage insights and methods from psychological science in education, business, and policy.

The chapter appears in the book, The New Reflectionism in Cognitive Psychology, published by Psychology Press.  You can also view it here.

About Sheridan College:

Sheridan College is one of Canada's leading postsecondary institutions, serving over 23,000 full time students at three campuses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Oakville, Ontario.   We offer over 120 diploma, certificate, and bachelor degree programs in the fields of arts, business, community service, health, technology and the skilled trades.  Sheridan is the first Canadian institution to offer degree students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate certificate in creativity and creative problem solving.  Creativity is embedded in the curricula across all disciplines by emphasizing creative problem solving, interdisciplinary thinking and creative modes of expression. Our vision is to be recognized as Sheridan Polytechnic, a university celebrated as a global leader in career-focused, applied education.  www.sheridancollege.ca

SOURCE Sheridan College

For further information: Media Contact: Susan Atkinson, [e-mail], 905-815-4073