Are there ramifications for goodness by studying depravity?
Absolutely. Establishing the boundaries of the unacceptable make it easier for people to appreciate boundaries, the rights of others, and a society in which each receives equal protection under the law – including defendants. We believe that defining the boundaries of evil strengthens an orientation toward prosocial behavior and choices people make. Our commitment to this research is inspired by our confidence that we will assist the recognition and appreciation of goodness through the delineation of evil – just as he study of pathology enhances our appreciation for what is normal, and the variants of normal in the diversity of our world.
