Genetics and Criminal Behavior

Leading philosophers address some of the basic issues raised by genetic research into criminal behavior.

David Wasserman (Edited by), Robert Wachbroit (Edited by)

9780521627283, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 January 2001

348 pages, 7 b/w illus. 12 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

'… the book is a good introduction to the state of play in this area of study ?'. Practical Philosophy

In this 2001 volume a group of leading philosophers address some of the basic conceptual, methodological and ethical issues raised by genetic research into criminal behavior. The essays explore the complexities of tracing any genetic influence on criminal, violent or antisocial behavior; the varieties of interpretations to which evidence of such influences is subject; and the relevance of such influences to the moral and legal appraisal of criminal conduct. The distinctive features of this collection are: first, that it advances public discussion while clarifying the debate about genetic research and criminal behavior; second, that it explains scientific controversies about behavioral genetics in lucid, non-technical terms; third, that it demonstrates how the possible findings on genetics and crime bear on fundamental issues of moral and criminal responsibility. The volume will be of particular value to philosophers concerned with applied ethics (especially bioethics), behavioral geneticists, psychologists, legal theorists, and criminologists.

Introduction
Part I: 1. Understanding the genetics of violence controversy Robert Wachbroit
2. Separating nature and nurture Elliott Sober
3. Genetic explanations of behavior Kenneth Schaffner
4. On the explanatory limits of behavioral genetics Kenneth Taylor
5. Degeneracy, criminal behavior and looping Ian Hacking
6. Genetic plans, genetic differences, and violence: some chief possibilities Allen Gibbard
Part II: 7. Crime, genes, and responsibility Marcia Baron
8. Genes, statistics, and desert Peter Van Inwagen
9. Genes, electrotransmitters, and free will Patricia Greenspan
10. Moral responsibility without free will Michael Slote
11. Strong genetic influence and the new 'optimism' Jorge Garcia
12. Genetic predispositions to violent and antisocial behavior: responsibility, character, and identity David Wasserman.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM], Sociology & anthropology [JH], History of Western philosophy [HPC]