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Making Evil

The Science Behind Humanity’s Dark Side

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Making Evil

By: Dr Julia Shaw
Narrated by: Dr Julia Shaw
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Are you evil?

A smart and highly readable exploration of why we think and do bad things.

Dr Julia Shaw shows us that the same dispositions that make us capable of heinous crimes may also work to our advantage. And, if evil is within all of us, should it be said to exist at all?

In Making Evil, Shaw uses a compelling mix of science, popular culture and real life examples to break down timely and important issues. How similar is your brain to a psychopath's? How many people have murder fantasies? Can A.I. be evil? Do your sexual proclivities make you a bad person? Who becomes a terrorist?

This is a wide-ranging exploration into a fascinating, darkly compelling subject.

 Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Crime Thought-Provoking Health Mental Health Murder
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Critic reviews

"Julia Shaw has crafted a brilliant panorama that elucidates humanity's dark side in her masterpiece, Making Evil. This science-based foundation for studying the minds of sadists, mass murderers, freaks and creeps, as well the new role of tech in promoting evil is presented in a totally engaging fashion" (PHILIP ZIMBARDO, author of The Lucifer Effect)
"Most of it is unsettling, shocking or disturbing. It’s also rational, intelligent and necessary . . . fascinating and convincing"
"Warmly, chattily written . . . Shaw draws knowledgeably on psychological and neuroscientific research"
"Curious readers will be riveted by Shaw’s deliberate, rational discussions of such taboos as cyberbullying, homicide, pedophilia and the ways money and power corrupt the souls of formerly good men and women . . . Capably written with a smooth mix of scientific insight and theoretical thought, the book will hopefully inspire empathy and understanding rather than hysteria and condemnation . . . A consistently fascinating journey into the darker sides of the human condition that will push on the boundaries of readers’ comfort zones"
"Shaw presents a stimulating and provocative challenge to the traditional meaning of evil. Stimulating and provocative"
"A sober-minded, academically rigorous examination of an oft-sensationalised subject"
"Great read. Buy this book" (TIM LOVEJOY)
All stars
Most relevant
Lots of broad and Very interesting topics. I highly recommend. Have already recommended to friends and family.

Thought provoking

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very interesting, not always an easy listen but as a part time psych student very relevant to the theme of why do people do bad things.

Great insight

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Some really great ideas, many of which I have held for some time. I felt like there were some weak arguments in here however, such as calling out a fairly reasonable statement as a 'rape myth' without providing any reason why the author believes it should be considered flawed. There are also a few too many references to studies which are not considered very replicable, such as the Stanford Prison Experiment.

Frank discussion of the taboo

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Although deeply spiritual arguments abound to step away from the judgement of evil, this philosophical and scientific exploration is the best I have engaged, ever. I treat people who have been tortured for my work, and have long been rehumanising torturers (not on the first day!) as part of rehumanising the victim in the long run. My work isn't easy, and neither is this book an emotional simplicity.

Prepare to be challenged, prepare to grow, prepare to be a better human for reading this book. And please do.

Questioning the Nature of Evil

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How the author draws you into explore your own thoughts and feelings on very deep topics

The knowledge behind the voice

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