Eric Silver

Eric Silver
Professor of Sociology and Criminology

Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D. Sociology, State University of New York at Albany, 1999

Professional Bio

TEACHING

I teach an award-winning course called Knowing Right from Wrong. The course enrolls 700+ students. It promotes ethical development and critical thinking using morally challenging topics. Students are encouraged to share their ideas honestly, respectfully, and courageously, and to keep an open mind as their classmates share theirs. Teaching this course is one of the great joys of my professional life.

RESEARCH

I study morality, public opinion, racial attitudes, crime, social control, criminal justice, stigmatization, and patriotism. My past research focused on the relationship between mental disorder and violence, communities and crime, and violence risk assessment. I’ve authored over seventy peer-reviewed articles in high-quality outlets and have received awards for my research.

I have a book out with colleagues John Iceland and Ilana Redstone called Why We Disagree about Inequality: Social Justice v. Social Order. In it we show how two clashing worldviews—one emphasizing social justice and another social order—are preventing Americans from solving their most pressing social problems.

PUBLIC WRITING / PODCASTS

ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS

  • Founding Member, Heterodox Academy at Penn State (2023–present)
  • University Faculty Senate’s Committee on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities (elected, 2024–present)
  • Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of the Liberal Arts (2013–2017)
  • Associate Department Head (2009–2013)
  • Director of Graduate Studies (2003–2009)

Research Interests by Concentration

Criminology

morality and rule breaking behavior, the relationship between mental disorder and violence/victimization, deviance, public opinion, crime, race
Eric Silver
814-865-8714
902 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA 16802
Mailroom: 203 Oswald Tower