Evil in Mind: The Psychology of Harming Others

This book offers a social-scientific definition and analysis of evil, exploring why we deem something evil and how psychological and environmental factors increase our propensity for harming others. It provides illustrative examples of how insights can be applied to hate, sadism, serial killers, group-based atrocities, organizational offenses, and familial abuse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Evil is a complex and multifaceted concept that has captivated the human psyche for centuries. It is often associated with acts of harm, destruction, and suffering inflicted upon others, leaving a profound impact on individuals and societies. While the nature of evil remains elusive and subject to interpretation, this book aims to provide a comprehensive and social-scientific definition of evil, exploring its various manifestations and its underlying causes.

Part 1: Understanding the Nature of Evil

In the first part of the book, we delve into the reasons why most of us strive to be seen as good. We examine the psychological and environmental factors that influence our moral judgments and decision-making processes. We explore why we tend to categorize certain actions as evil, while others may be perceived as morally acceptable or even necessary.

We also examine the concept of moral ambivalence, where individuals may hold conflicting beliefs and values, making it difficult to determine the moral implications of their actions. This part of the book seeks to shed light on the complex interplay between our innate moral inclinations, social conditioning, and the external environment that shapes our perception of evil.

Part 2: Applying the Insights of Part 1

In the second part of the book, we present illustrative examples of how the insights from Part 1 can be applied to real-world situations. We examine the nature of hate, sadism, serial killers, group-based atrocities, organizational offenses, and familial abuse. By analyzing these cases, we aim to demonstrate how the psychological factors that contribute to evil can be understood and addressed.

We explore the cognitive processes that drive individuals to engage in harmful behaviors, such as dehumanization, justification, and the perception of threat. We also examine the role of social norms, power structures, and cultural influences in perpetuating evil acts.

The concluding chapter of the book amplifies and integrates the book's main themes, fostering a more mindful and informed confrontation of the elusive problem we call evil. We discuss the ethical implications of our understanding of evil and explore strategies for promoting empathy, compassion, and social change to mitigate the impact of evil in our world.

Evil in Mind is designed to be accessible to a wide range of readers, including academics, students, and educated laypersons. It provides a systematic and research-based psychological understanding of evil that is compact, digestible, and potentially transformative. By exploring the nature of evil, its causes, and its impact on individuals and societies, this book aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon and inspire individuals to engage in positive social change.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197637180