Biological Determinism, Free Will and Moral Responsibility

Insights from Genetics and Neuroscience

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Criminal law, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Biological Determinism, Free Will and Moral Responsibility by Chris Willmott, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Chris Willmott ISBN: 9783319303918
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: March 8, 2016
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Chris Willmott
ISBN: 9783319303918
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: March 8, 2016
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book examines the way in which new discoveries about genetic and neuroscience are influencing our understanding of human behaviour. As scientists unravel more about the ways in which genes and the environment work together to shape the development of our brains, their studies have importance beyond the narrow confines of the laboratory. This emerging knowledge has implications for our notions of morality and criminal responsibility. The extent to which “biological determinism” can be used as an explanation for our behaviour is of interest to philosophers reflecting on the free will versus determinism debate. It also has repercussions for the criminal justice system; in courtrooms around the world, defence lawyers are beginning to appeal to genetic and brain imaging data as grounds for finding their clients not guilty. Can a defendant’s genes or the structure of his brain be used as an excuse for his behaviour? Is criminality “hardwired”? Is it legitimate to claim “I couldn’t help it, my genes made me do it”? This book appeals to anyone interested in the link between behaviour and genetics, the science and philosophy of moral responsibility and/or criminal law.​

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book examines the way in which new discoveries about genetic and neuroscience are influencing our understanding of human behaviour. As scientists unravel more about the ways in which genes and the environment work together to shape the development of our brains, their studies have importance beyond the narrow confines of the laboratory. This emerging knowledge has implications for our notions of morality and criminal responsibility. The extent to which “biological determinism” can be used as an explanation for our behaviour is of interest to philosophers reflecting on the free will versus determinism debate. It also has repercussions for the criminal justice system; in courtrooms around the world, defence lawyers are beginning to appeal to genetic and brain imaging data as grounds for finding their clients not guilty. Can a defendant’s genes or the structure of his brain be used as an excuse for his behaviour? Is criminality “hardwired”? Is it legitimate to claim “I couldn’t help it, my genes made me do it”? This book appeals to anyone interested in the link between behaviour and genetics, the science and philosophy of moral responsibility and/or criminal law.​

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Computers Helping People with Special Needs by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Future of CO2 Capture, Transport and Storage Projects by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Growth Factors and Cytokines in Skeletal Muscle Development, Growth, Regeneration and Disease by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Seaports in International Law by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Surface Wetting by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Buoyancy-Thermocapillary Convection of Volatile Fluids in Confined and Sealed Geometries by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Science Education: A Global Perspective by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Cultural Anatomies of the Heart in Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, and Harvey by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Radiation Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Mutual Recognition of Judicial Decisions in European Criminal Law by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Cognitive Abilities and Educational Outcomes by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Antibacterials by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Dynamic Behavior of Materials, Volume 1 by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Lecture Notes in Real-Time Intelligent Systems by Chris Willmott
Cover of the book Media and Food Industries by Chris Willmott
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy