I am currently interested in critically analyzing naturalistic accounts of human action in contemporary psychology. Thus, I am interested in (1 ) identifying the (often) hidden philosophical assumptions of materialism, determinism, reductionism, and egoism in mainstream psychological theories; (2) examining the implications of those assumptions for psychological theory and practice; and (3) articulating viable, alternative approaches to accounting for human action that preserve moral agency and meaning. More specifically, my recent work looks to (1) evaluate evolutionary psychological accounts of religion and religious phenomena; (2) explore the nature of the interface between religion and science; and (3) articulate possible avenues for re conceptualizing psychological science , human action (generally), and religious experience (specifically)—for example, reconceptualizing via the ethical phenomenology of Emmanuel Levinas and other phenomenological philosophers and psychologists .
Teaching Interests
I most enjoy teaching courses in the History of Psychology, Psychology of Religion, LDS Perspectives on Psychology, Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology, Critical Issues in Psychology (i.e., philosophy of psychology), and Book of Mormon. I also enjoy working closely with undergraduates who are interested in the teaching profession and who are working to hone their skills in teaching psychology at the university level.
Courses Taught
Publications
Edwin E GanttRichard N WilliamsRichard N WilliamsEdwin E GanttEdwin E GanttEdwin E GanttDavid N. TopEdwin E GanttEdwin E GanttEdwin E GanttJeffrey L. ThayneEdwin E GanttJeffrey P. LindstromRichard N WilliamsJeffrey S ReberEdwin E Gantt
