The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty

By Simon Baron-Cohen

Book Overview

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. The Science of Evil continues to challenge our understanding of human cruelty.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465031420
• ISBN13: 9780465031429
• Release Date: September 2012
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

I love this book.

One of my very favorite titles. Baron-Cohen explains the "the internal pot of gold" theory that makes so much sense. This book is a little old but still very valid. You won't go wrong buying this book. I will always keep a copy. Just between us, I find it interesting this author is an expert on empathy. His brother is a famous Hollywood bully.