Exemplars, Imitation, and Character Formation: A Philosophical, Psychological, and Christian Inquiry

by Eric Yang

Overview

This volume examines the role and relevance of exemplars and the practice of imitation in character development and formation. While the role of exemplars and imitation in spiritual and moral formation has been an integral part of many religious and wisdom traditions, in recent times there has been limited theological and philosophical investigation into it and a dearth of interdisciplinary discussion. The book brings together relevant research and insights from leading experts within philosophy, psychology, and theology, with a slight emphasis on Christian approaches to exemplars and imitation, especially given the reflection on these themes throughout the history of the Christian intellectual and mystical tradition. Many of the contributions display an interdisciplinary approach into these issues; hence, this volume will be of interest to philosophers, psychologists, theologians, and others who work in moral psychology and character formation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032648347
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/26/2025
Series:	Routledge Science and Religion Series
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Eric Yang is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Santa Clara University, USA

Table of Contents

Part I Philosophical Inquiry into Exemplars and Imitation  1. Moral Charisma: Why We (Almost) Can’t Help Imitating Virtue  2. Exemplar Communities and Moral Formation  3. Imitating or Emulating? How Exemplar Education Can Avoid Being Indoctrinating  4. Model Exemplars  5. Admiration and its Companion Emotions  Part II Psychological Inquiry into Exemplars and Imitation  6. The Role of Empathy in the Appraisal Process of Holocaust Rescuers  7. Families with Exemplary Commitments to Shared Purpose: An Exemplar Study  8. Traditions and Exemplars in Spiritual Formation: Toward an Integration of Catholic Theology and Developmental Science  9. Modeling Exemplary Practical Wisdom and Discernment in Sociotechnical Communities  Part III Christian Inquiry into Exemplars and Imitation  10. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Nonviolent War for the Soul of America: Radical Love as Revolutionary Imitation of Christ  11. Imitating God  12. Challenging Aristotle’s Privilege of Virtue with Christ  13. The Exemplary Life of St. Antony: A Case for Intercessory Exemplarism  14. A Triadic Model of How to Become Like the Saints