“Heroes: What They Do and Why We Need Them.” January 25, 2011

What characterizes a hero? Why are heroes special to us, and how do they win our admiration?

These are the sorts of questions University of Richmond psychologists Scott T. Allison and George R. Goethals think about and describe in their new book “Heroes: What They Do and Why We Need Them.”

Allison and Goethals will discuss their research and book in an free and open-to-the public event at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 25, 2011 at the Jepson Alumni Center on campus at the University of Richmond. A reception follows the book talk. Register.

Heroes—both real people and fictional characters—are vital to our lives, the authors write. Through identifying the Great Eight Traits of heroes (smart, strong, selfless, caring, charismatic, resilient, reliable, and inspiring) and outlining the mental models that characterize our sensitivity toward heroes, Allison and Goethals explore our admiration for these unique individuals from public life and pop culture, ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt to Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino, from Senator Ted Kennedy, and explorer Ernest Shackleton.