Tess Wilkinson-Ryan

Wilkinson-Ryan interrogates the intricate ways human psychology influences legal decision-making, emphasizing the role of moral intuitions in contracts and negotiations. As an author and professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, she delves into how commonsense moral beliefs affect complex legal and financial choices, such as mortgage defaults and retirement investments. Her academic focus extends to the teaching of various courses, including Contract Law and Ethical Leadership for Lawyers, where she bridges legal theory with psychological insights.\n\nHer book, "Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order—and What We Can Do About It", investigates the pervasive fear of being deceived and its impact on decision-making in various spheres like politics and social interactions. This work is grounded in her research in behavioral economics and psychology, offering readers methods to counteract unnecessary vigilance against scams. Wilkinson-Ryan highlights a central theme in her work: while people often fear peer exploitation, they overlook the risks posed by those in power. Her contributions, through both academic articles and broader publications like "The Atlantic", provide valuable insights for readers seeking to understand the psychological underpinnings of legal and financial decisions.