How do we define evil? How do we confront evil in our own lives? How does the use of the word “evil” sometimes become skewed or politicized?

These are some of the questions addressed in Naming Evil, Judging Evil, a book written collaboratively by nine Duke faculty from a range of disciplines. Ruth Grant, Institute Senior Fellow and Professor of Political Science, spearheaded the project and served as editor.

In 2007-08, Grant again convened an interdisciplinary group of Duke faculty, this time to tackle questions about goodness. The group participated in a working conference in February 2009. The project will culminate in a collection of essays, “In Search of Goodness.” Read a Duke Today news story on this project.

See video (left) of Ruth Grant discussing the potential downsides to altruism.