Keltner, a distinguished professor of psychology at Berkeley, has led the discipline's study of human emotion, power and the concept of awe throughout his career.
Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley distinguished professor of psychology who has led the discipline’s study of human emotion, power and the concept of awe, was honored this month with a lifetime achievement award from the Association for Psychological Science.
Keltner was specifically cited for his work compiling data from over 26 cultures to map the forms and functions of compassion, awe, love and embarrassment. The APS also cited his exploration of social class and inequality and work showing how social power shapes basic cognitive processes, from empathy to prejudice, and leads to impulsive and inconsiderate behavior.
At Berkeley, Keltner co-founded the Greater Good Science Center and hosts the widely acclaimed Science of Happiness podcast. Keltner was also a scientific advisor on Pixar’s Inside Out, Soul and Inside Out 2.
“The breadth, depth and impact of Dacher Keltner’s work is nothing short of remarkable,” the APS said in an announcement. “… Keltner’s prolific work has profoundly changed the way social psychologists think about power, social class and human emotions.”