The Science of Evil

On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty

By: Simon Baron-Cohen

Narrated by: Jonathan Cowley

Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Borderline personality disorder, autism, narcissism, psychosis, Asperger's: All of these syndromes have one thing in common---lack of empathy. In some cases, this absence can be dangerous, but in others it can simply mean a different way of seeing the world. In The Science of Evil, Simon Baron-Cohen, an award-winning British researcher who has investigated psychology and autism for decades, develops a new brain-based theory of human cruelty. A true psychologist, however, he examines social and environmental factors that can erode empathy, including neglect and abuse. Based largely on Baron-Cohen's own research, The Science of Evil will change the way we understand and treat human cruelty.

©2011 Simon Baron-Cohen (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"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." ( Publishers Weekly)

a scientific exploration of the role of empathy

this book is a deep dive into the science of evil. it is not an exhibition of examples of atrocities, rather just touching on a few examples to highlight the human experience of cruelty. The author highlights that evil is fundamentally a lack of empathy. based on this hypothesis, most of the book explores hormonal, gene, environmental, and neurological contributing factors to a lack of empathy. I work in an emergency room, as a forensic nurse, caring for survivors of rape and interpersonal violence. Reading this book has helped me to understand a little better why some people can victimize others with no regard for the effects of their choices.

Accessible Research

This was a well researched exploration of “The Empathy Circuit”. It was accessible to the general public and engrossing. It was read by the author and clear and conversational.

Empathy

I appreciated the questions posed by this author. How do we develop empathy? Can someone raise their empathy? How do we monitor empathy scientifically? I will ponder these for quite awhile.

What causes evil?

The first time I remember evil – real evil – was more than 40 years ago, when I heard of awful things a boy down the block had done to a cat. I was too young to put a name to it, and the boy was spoken of in whispers. We were told to stay far away from him, and I did, crossing the street if he was on the way to grade school at the same time I was. He disappeared from the neighborhood several months later, and I am still relieved I never saw him again.

About ten years later, I put a name to evil, at least in fiction, reading Stephen King’s “Carrie”. The true evil wasn’t Carrie herself – it was Chris Hargensen, the beautiful, taunting classmate; and Margaret White, Carrie’s mother. Both had a complete lack of empathy for Carrie – and for anyone else.

In “The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty”, Simon Baron-Cohen, Ph.D., a Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at Cambridge, argues that all we consider evil presents as a lack of empathy. A lack of empathy can be momentary, chronic or innate, and to some extent, conditioned by being around others with a lack of empathy . The consequences can be disastrous. Baron-Cohen starts with the Holocaust as an example. Since research recently determined more than 40,000 Nazi ghettos and death camps were in operation, his conclusions have merit.

In this book, Baron-Cohen discusses signs and symptoms to some extent, but his emphasis is the neuroscience of evil. Baron-Cohen discusses the regions of the brain controlling empathy response, and how physical damage, fetal development, and environmental factors can affect these areas, causing them to function differently than those of empathetic people. Baron-Cohen does a good job at discussing the malfunctioning areas of the brain. As a layperson, I had to listen to those sections several times to understand what he was talking about.

Since reading “Carrie” more than 30 years ago, I’ve run into a lot of actual people who completely lack empathy. I have wondered the whole time how that happens. Setting aside the theological theory, this book explains at least some of it.

I enjoyed the narration, and the unedited use of British terms. And yes, for anyone wondering, Simon Baron-Cohen is Sacha Baron-Cohen’s cousin – and Simon, in a very apropos discussion later in the book, mentions Sacha’s work.

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Raises Questions

Simon Baron-Cohen looks at empathy in The Science of Evil and presents a cognitive approach to understanding human cruelty. Essentially, he sees “evil” as rooted in limits of persons to experience empathy. This is a very engaging, thought provoking book. Despite that I came away with unanswered questions. For example, how can some people be kind to one group of people and cruel to others? I hope in future books, Baron-Cohen will flesh out his theory and link it to other fields of psychology. For example, what would Evolutionary Psychology say to the development of empathy? Along with the general reader, most persons interested in criminal behavior, bullying, ethical behavior and similar topics would find this book interesting. The narration of Jonathan Cowley is very good.

Thought Provoking

Any additional comments?

Simon Baron Cohen is a specialist in Autism, and he referred to Autism a bit in the book and I'd be really interested to read more of his work in this field. His book was quite thought provoking. In my personal interpretation of the book, it seems Mr. Cohen believes evil is not a spiritual matter at all, but rather a chemical/medical one. "Evil" doesn't really exist, it's just that some people have lower levels of empathy.
He also seems to advocate for criminals who commit crimes due to their mental illnesses to have less severe punishments, since they can't help being sociopaths/psychopaths, or as Mr. Cohen would say, low on empathy.

Amazing!

Insightful and informative! I liked it so much that I'm immediately starting it again. I have been wanting to read this for years. Fascinating!

A look at empathy and evil

Baron-Cohen reframes evil acts as the result of a lack of empathy, and makes a case for where a lack of empathy comes from (environmental and genetic), how people exhibit it, and other really interesting neuroscientific connections. Well-read and engaging.

Rational and logical explanation of cruelty.

Any additional comments?

Well written, scientific but not all boring or dry, logical and useful discussion of what makes a person lack empathy and therefore, "humanity".
Laid out so is easy to understand.
Highly interesting.
One can lack empathy partially or totally and yet not be criminal, or can be criminal. The difference remains personal choice. Some element of biology in cruelty and that part was interesting.
If you have brushed against cruelty in someone who seems to enjoy being cruel, a sociopath or psychopath, you will benefit from reading this book. Held my attention throughout. Non-emotional explanation so one can get the core of this issue without all the drama and blood and guts the popular media projects. Discusses how cruelty evolves and why it is so easy for some.
Also discusses mass low empathy such as when groups are cruel.
Explains the "relentless" quality one sees in the cruel and sociopathic.
Highly recommend for everyone.
If you like the topic but fear too much dry science putting you to sleep, this is a good book. It is scientific but not at all difficult or professorial.

Thought Provoking

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Excellent and engaging. The narrator is particularly excellent.

What about Jonathan Cowley’s performance did you like?

He's by far the best narrator of all the audible books I've listened to.