About the Field of Heroism Science
The academic field of Heroism Studies is relatively young, emerging in the early 21st century alongside a resurgence of scholarly interest in morality, cooperation, altruism, wisdom, purpose, resilience, hope, flow, human growth, courage, empathy, spirituality, health, public service, self-control, emotional intelligence, and character strengths. Over the past decade in particular, research has increasingly focused on two kinds of exemplary figures who embody these qualities: heroes and heroic leaders.
As a multidisciplinary enterprise, Heroism Studies seeks to reconceptualize heroism, the hero’s journey, and heroic leadership by examining their origins, forms, and processes. Drawing on both established and emerging epistemological and methodological approaches, the field applies its insights across diverse domains, including pedagogy, crisis management, healthcare, counseling, workforce development, community engagement, media, digital activism, human rights, and international relations. In doing so, Heroism Studies contributes to the broader movement of positive scholarship that strives to foster holistic well-being, cultivate heroic awareness and action, encourage civic responsibility and engagement, and build resilience in individuals and communities confronting increasingly complex social challenges.
To learn more about heroism science, please visit the Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies, or alternatively the Heroic Imagination Project's comprehensive online resource library.