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Stephen Greenspan Ph.D.

About

Stephen Greenspan, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in developmental psychology from the University of Rochester and did post-doctoral work at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute. He is a professor emeritus of educational psychology at the University of Connecticut and until recently had a visiting affiliation with the University of Colorado. He currently resides in northern California, where he maintains an active forensic psychology consulting practice in criminal cases where Intellectual Disability may be a mitigating or exempting factor.

The author of three books—What is Mental Retardation? (AAIDD, with H. Switzky), Annals of Gullibility (Praeger), and Elements of Discipline (Temple U.)—he has published numerous essays on aspects of social incompetence, particularly in vulnerable sub-groups but also in the general population. Recently, he has developed a theory of “foolish action,” and his book on that topic—Anatomy of Foolishness (Hamilton/Rowman & Littlefield)—is scheduled for publication in July 2019.

Books by Stephen Greenspan Ph.D.
Recent Posts
When Great Art Is Not Good
Why are some modern art works worth many millions of dollars while others of equal quality are almost worthless? This is a topic for social psychologists to explore.
Was Oppenheimer a "Narr"?
Einstein called Oppenheimer a "narr" (Yiddish for fool) for fighting the denial of his security clearance renewal, revoked because of his relationships with Communists.
Autism: When Genes Hold No Explanatory Power
There is a pervasive tendency among psychologists to assume that organicity equals genetics, but brain damage caused by external factors can cause neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, where there is no known role played by genetics.
Prince Harry's Disappointments, Annoyances, and Hatreds

In his memoir, "Spare," Prince Harry complained about many in his family, sparing only his wife and his late mother. A content analysis of Harry's whines was conducted.

In his memoir, "Spare," Prince Harry complained about many in his family, sparing only his wife and his late mother. A content analysis of Harry's whines was conducted.

General Semantics and the Psychology of Forgiveness

General systems theory is based on the idea that negative feelings for others flow from use of the verb "to be." Using "has" instead, Prince Harry would be forgiving towards Kate.

General systems theory is based on the idea that negative feelings for others flow from use of the verb "to be." Using "has" instead, Prince Harry would be forgiving towards Kate.

Mental Health Involves the Ability to Ignore Much

Personal Perspective: Prince Harry's interest in mental illness is admirable, but not his implicit message that venting is a step toward mental health.

Personal Perspective: Prince Harry's interest in mental illness is admirable, but not his implicit message that venting is a step toward mental health.

Sparing the Parkland Shooter: Lessons From a Challenging Case

A Fort Lauderdale jury recently refused to sentence Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz to death. What can we learn from this tragic case?

A Fort Lauderdale jury recently refused to sentence Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz to death. What can we learn from this tragic case?

On the Philosophy of Uncertainty

Did the great philosopher in his book "On Certainty" have anything useful to say about mass credulity and gullibility towards false information? The answer unfortunately is "no."

Did the great philosopher in his book "On Certainty" have anything useful to say about mass credulity and gullibility towards false information? The answer unfortunately is "no."

Julian Assange Has Autism?

A British judge is blocking the extradition to the U.S. of Julian Assange on the basis of autism and related suicide risk. This raises questions about forensic uses of the category.

A British judge is blocking the extradition to the U.S. of Julian Assange on the basis of autism and related suicide risk. This raises questions about forensic uses of the category.