The Anatomy of Violence
Subtitle: The Biological Roots of Crime
By: Adrian Raine
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 478
ISBN-13: 9780307378842
Subjects: Physiological aspects; Violence; Psychological aspects
Description: In this book a pioneering neurocriminologist introduces the latest biological research into the causes of, and potential cures for, criminal behavior. As a leading criminologist who specializes in the neuroscience behind criminal behavior, the author introduces a wide range of new scientific research into the origins and nature of violence and criminal behavior. He explains how impairments to areas of the brain that control our ability to experience fear, make decisions, and feel empathy can make us more likely to engage in criminal behavior. He applies this new understanding of the criminal mind to some of the most well-known criminals in history. And he clearly delineates the pressing considerations this research demands: What are the causes of violence? Can it be treated? And might it one day be stopped? Are some criminals born, not made? What causes violence and how can we treat it? This book introduces new ways of looking at these age-old questions. Drawing on the latest scientific research, the author explains what it reveals about the brains of murderers, psychopaths and serial killers. While once it was thought upbringing explained all, and subsequently explanations shifted to genetics, he goes to great pains to explain that anti-social behaviour is complex, and based on the interaction between genetics and the biological and social environment in which a person is raised. But the latest statistical evidence between certain types of biological and early behavioural warning signs is also very strong. Through a series of case studies of famous criminals, he shows how their criminal behaviour might be explained on the basis of these new scientific discoveries. But the conclusions point to a host of philosophical and moral issues. What are the implications for our criminal justice system? Should we condemn and punish individuals who have little or no control over their behaviour? Should we act preemptively with people who exhibit strong biological predispositions to becoming dangerous criminals? These are among the thorny issues we can no longer ignore as our understanding of criminal behaviour grows.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 375-453) and index.
Table of contents: title: Basic instincts : how violence evolved; title: Seeds of sin : the genetic basis to crime; title: Murderous minds : how violent brains malfunction; title: Cold-blooded killers : the autonomic nervous system; title: Broken brains : the neuroanatomy of violence; title: Natural-born killers : early health influences; title: A recipe for violence : malnutrition, metals, and mental health; title: The biosocial jigsaw puzzle : putting the pieces together; title: Curing crime : biological interventions; title: The brain on trial : legal implications; title: The future : where will neurocriminology take us?