The Science of Evil
On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty
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3.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
An award-winning psychologist draws on years of research to unveil “a simple but persuasive hypothesis for a new way to think about evil.” ―New York Times
How can we explain both cruelty and kindness? To award-winning psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen, the explanation for cruelty is low levels of empathy, and the explanation for kindness is high levels of empathy. In The Science of Evil, Baron-Cohen draws on decades of research to develop a new, brain-based theory of human cruelty and kindness. He explores the social and biological factors that can influence our empathy levels, explains the key distinction between cognitive and affective forms of empathy, and shows how low empathy can lead to dehumanizing behavior. Featuring a new introduction by the author, The Science of Evil will continue to challenge our understanding of human cruelty.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A leading British researcher of psychology and autism at Cambridge University, Baron-Cohen (Mindblindness) brings a fresh perspective to deciphering the enigma known as "evil." His jarring depiction of literal human objectification in Nazi Germany (when he was seven " father told the Nazis had turned Jews into lampshades"), followed by numerous examples of single-minded, unempathic acts across the globe, sets the stage for a thorough examination that replaces the term "evil" with a concept he finds more useful: empathy, and its erosion. He examines how empathy is measured empirically, on both social and neurological scales. Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, and medical conditions like autism spectrum disorders (which unlike borderline disorder, do not lead people to harm others) are both dissected and humanized as Baron-Cohen analyzes the complex interplay of genetics and early environmental determinants of empathy. The author pulls no punches in the last chapter; he argues for a new psychiatric category called "empathy disorder" and underscores empathy's tremendous power from a social perspective as "a universal solvent." Baron-Cohen's professorial background shines through in the book's tone and in step-by-step, engaging prose urging both academic and lay reader alike to journey with him in scientific inquiry.
Customer Reviews
It’s Alright
The book insightfully discusses empathy and describes the minds of those living without it. It acknowledges both genetic and social factors in our ability to experience empathy.
I feel that the book is brought down by Baron-Cohen’s stubborn attachment to categorization which attempts to fit truth into a model that ultimately reduces the impact of an otherwise nuanced discussion.
Although the book makes some clumsy arguments, it’s not a bad read, especially if you’re new to the topic.