Fiery Cushman

Fiery Cushman inspires the academic community to rethink the intricate mechanisms of moral psychology through his innovative research and teaching. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University, he delves into the cognitive processes that shape moral judgment, exploring how these processes develop over time and their evolutionary origins. His scholarly journey began at Harvard, where he earned a B.A. in Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Psychology, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors. After completing his doctoral studies, Fiery Cushman further honed his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard's Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative. This experience enriched his understanding of the interdisciplinary connections between cognitive science and moral psychology, fueling his passion for uncovering the evolutionary history of moral judgment. Before returning to Harvard, Cushman contributed significantly to the field as an Assistant Professor in Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences at Brown University from 2011 to 2014. During his tenure at Brown, he engaged in pioneering research that advanced the understanding of moral cognition and its developmental pathways. Cushman's work is characterized by a deep curiosity about how humans navigate complex moral landscapes, drawing insights from evolutionary theory to inform his investigations. His research not only sheds light on the cognitive underpinnings of moral decision-making but also challenges prevailing assumptions about the nature of morality itself. Through his teaching and mentorship, Fiery Cushman inspires students and colleagues alike to explore the dynamic interplay between cognitive processes and moral reasoning. His contributions to the field of moral psychology continue to influence contemporary thought, encouraging a reevaluation of how moral judgments are formed and their implications for human behavior.