Tess Wilkinson-Ryan

Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, JD, PhD, is a Professor of Law and Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on the psychology of legal decision-making, particularly how moral judgment influences choices in private contracts and negotiations. By employing experimental methods from psychology and behavioral economics, Dr. Wilkinson-Ryan investigates how individuals use their moral intuitions to navigate complex legal situations, including topics such as mortgage borrowing, retirement planning, and responses to breach of contract.Recognized for her teaching excellence, she received the A. Leo Levin Award for Excellence in an Introductory Course in 2012. Dr. Wilkinson-Ryan teaches courses like "An Introduction to American Law" and "Employment Contracts," where she integrates insights from her research into the curriculum. Her recent publication, Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order, explores the psychological implications of feeling like a "sucker" in various contexts, from personal finance to cultural conflicts.Dr. Wilkinson-Ryan's interdisciplinary approach combines law with psychological principles, making significant contributions to our understanding of how legal frameworks interact with human behavior. Through her research and teaching, she aims to illuminate the complexities of decision-making within legal contexts and promote a deeper understanding of the moral dimensions involved in legal agreements.