Introduction
Crimes and cruelty have a complex nature, which is formed under the influence of various factors. While many studies examine the influence of environmental and social factors, Jonathan Pincus (2002) argues that such behavior may arise due to biological abnormalities and impaired brain function. Neuroscience may be vital to understanding the causes of extreme violence. Brain injuries, neurological defects, and genetic predisposition may explain the abnormal behavior of sociopathic killers. Therefore, this paper analyzes the thesis presented by the author for a better understanding of the causes of cruelty.
Reasons for Extreme Violence
Neurobiological Factors
Social factors, such as poverty or lack of socialization, can indeed influence a person’s behavior, leading to criminal acts. However, according to Pincus (2002), this perception of the nature of cruelty is simplistic and superficial. At the same time, the factors leading to abnormal behavior may lie deeper in biological or neurological aspects. For example, Cynthia Williams’ brain was underdeveloped because her mother drank alcohol during pregnancy and suffered several serious head injuries as a child (Pincus, 2002). It led to a distortion of the perception of the outside world and a violation of the boundaries between the definition of normal and abnormal behavior.
Disturbances in brain function associated with the development of disease or injury can become a catalyst for cruelty. Analyzing the case of Louis Culpepper, the author argues that “his frontal lobes had been ruined in an automobile accident” (Pincus, 2002, p. 18). In combination with childhood trauma, this led to the manifestation of deviant behavior. These examples demonstrate that biological disorders may have a more decisive influence on the individual’s consciousness compared to social factors, leading to neglect of restrictions against violence and social norms.
Studying the neurological characteristics of killers or people committing serious crimes can explain why such behavior is characteristic of only a tiny percentage of people. According to the researcher, “only 6 percent of the population causes the vast majority of violent crime” (Pincus, 2002, p. 23). The brain regulates human behavior and perception of reality, including risk assessment, impulse control, empathy, and decision-making. In fact, it is a restrictive mechanism that prevents the implementation of abnormal actions (Pincus, 2002). However, disturbances in brain function caused by injuries, diseases, or developmental disorders may lead to eliminating behavioral inhibitions.
Comorbid Conditions
Moreover, the presence of these factors may lead to the development of comorbid conditions that increase the risk of violent behavior. Pincus (2002) argues that “the most vicious criminals” are often people “who have paranoid patterns of thinking” (p. 27). Children who have been abused can develop suspicion of others and uncontrollable rage. In such settings, the catalyst for violence may be any action by another person that the individual finds offensive (Pincus, 2002). Additionally, due to the biased judgment created by brain dysfunction and paranoia, it can be quite challenging to predict what might cause abnormal behavior.
Developmental Deviances
The presence of abnormalities in the functioning of the brain often manifests itself at a relatively early age. Developmental delays and communication problems can often signal the presence of cognitive dysfunction, which can potentially affect a person’s future behavior (Pincus, 2002). Moreover, these deviations often cause a lack of socialization and ridicule from other children, which leads to childhood trauma.
The example of Bobby Moore is very indicative of this assumption. Due to frontal lobe abnormality, Moore experienced significant speech problems and difficulty concentrating even as an adult (Pincus, 2002). It could form the neurobiological background for the development of deviant behavior and crime. Moreover, Moore himself noted that cruelty was quite common in his household, and on one occasion, “his father aimed a shotgun at his mother” (Pincus, 2002, p. 42). The psychological trauma experienced was superimposed on the man’s initial predisposition to violent behavior, leading him to commit murder.
Impaired Consciousness
An essential factor is that extremely violent individuals are not entirely devoid of reason but have impaired consciousness. For example, Moore, although he had low IQ test scores, was still not redundant (Pincus, 2002). It means he could assess the situation, his actions, and their consequences. However, due to the presence of neurological disorders, this assessment was distorted and did not correspond to generally accepted social norms.
Moreover, having a memory of a man pointing a gun at a woman could potentially normalize the behavior in his mind (Pincus, 2002). As a result, Moore did not doubt that his actions might be unlawful or abusive. Pincus (2002) does not downplay the importance of environmental influences on individual behavior, arguing that traumatic events can act as a trigger for aggression. However, it is necessary to understand the relationship between social and biological factors when analyzing extreme violence.
Behavior Management
Another important aspect is that regardless of neurobiological factors, violent behavior can be controlled. Pincus (2002) notes the importance of studying neurological dysfunction to predict better, prevent, and treat criminal violence. Understanding strictly how biological and genetic aspects of a person influence their behavior can help identify deviations at an early age before committing serious crimes and develop a system for effectively addressing them.
Moreover, the social environment plays a critical role in reducing the influence of neurobiology on violent behavior. At the same time, just as external circumstances can become a catalyst for aggression, they can also neutralize the influence of other elements. In Moore’s case, his mother “never acknowledged that he was not normal” (Pincus, 2002, p. 48). As a result, he never received the special care he needed to develop his personality. His consciousness and value system were formed based on his experiences and the interpretations offered by his damaged brain. It led to the formation of false ideas about the norms of social interaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the thesis put forward by Pincus about the influence of neurobiological factors on the manifestation of extreme violence is confirmed by the example of specific crimes. It can occur due to congenital brain dysfunction, developmental delays, or due to severe head injuries. Their study is necessary for the ability to predict abnormal behavior and develop optimal treatment strategies for crime prevention. It is crucial that the author does not justify cruelty by biological factors, but on the contrary, emphasizes their importance for ensuring public safety. In addition, Pincus does not deny the influence of the environment on the formation of personality.
He argues that all elements usually act in a complex manner, which is the cause of cruelty. A person with a cognitive development disorder is unable to assess the situation or the consequences of his actions, which is why he chooses the simplest model of behavior. However, such individuals may be less dangerous if they receive proper care and intervention.
Reference
Pincus, J. (2002). Base instincts: What makes killers kill? (pp. 15-55). W. W. Norton & Company.