The Anatomy of Evil

Michael H Stone

ISBN 10: 1633883353 / ISBN 13: 9781633883352

Published by Prometheus Books, 2017

About this Item

FROM NARCISSISM TO AGGRESSION, AN ORIGINAL LOOK AT THE PERSONALITY TRAITS AND BEHAVIORS THAT CONSTITUTE EVIL In this groundbreaking book, renowned psychiatrist Michael H. Stone explores the concept and reality of evil from a new perspective. In an in-depth discussion of the personality traits and behaviors that constitute evil across a wide spectrum, Dr. Stone takes a clarifying scientific approach to a topic that for centuries has been inadequately explained by religious doctrines. Stone has created a 22-level hierarchy of evil behavior, which loosely reflects the structure of Dante's Inferno. Basing his analysis on the detailed biographies of more than 600 violent criminals, hetraces two salient personality traits that run the gamut from those who commit crimes of passion to perpetrators of sadistic torture and murder. One trait is narcissism, as exhibited in people who are so self-centered that they have little or no ability to care about their victims. The other is aggression, the use of power over another person to inflict humiliation, suffering, and death. What do psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience tell us about the minds of those whose actions could be described as evil? And what will that mean for the rest of us? Stone discusses how an increased understanding of the causes of evil will affect the justice system. He predicts a day when certain persons can safely be declared salvageable and restored to society and when early signs of violence in children may be corrected before potentially dangerous patterns become entrenched.

Seller Inventory # 00104051110

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Anatomy of Evil
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1633883353
• ISBN 13: 9781633883352
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Fair

About this title

Synopsis

"The nature of the crimes, the sheer depth of evil makes this as terrifying a read as any thriller and worse, the villains are real." — Monsters and Critics.com

For centuries, evil has been the domain of philosophers and priests. Now, science finally reveals its true anatomy.

Drawing from over 600 criminal cases, Stone unveils a groundbreaking 22-level hierarchy of evil behavior, examining how narcissism and aggression drive the most disturbing acts in human history. This isn't just theory—it's a practical tool that could help predict and prevent violent behavior before it takes root.

As the host of Discovery Channel's "Most Evil" and a distinguished Columbia University professor, Stone brings unprecedented clarity to humanity's darkest mystery. His research offers hope that by understanding evil's origins, we might one day prevent its worst manifestations.

Praised by experts and cited in major media worldwide, this essential work transforms our understanding of human nature's darkest side.

"Psychiatrist Stone...provides an etymology of evil with case studies of over 600 violent criminals, giving readers a comprehensive picture of the nature and varieties of human evil.... useful to those seeking the neurological and psychiatric reasons people commit 'evil' crimes."—Library Journal

About the Author

Michael H. Stone, MD is professor of clinical psychiatry at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is the author of ten books, most recently Personality Disorders: Treatable and Untreatable, and over two hundred professional articles and book chapters. From 2006 to 2008, he was the host of Discovery Channel's series Most Evil and has been featured in the New York Times, Psychology Today, the Christian Science Monitor, CNN, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, the New York Post, the London Times, the BBC, and Newsday, among many other media outlets.