Serial Killers - Philosophy for Everyone: Being and Killing [Paperback]

S. Waller (Editor), Fritz Allhoff (Series Editor), John M. Doris (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2010 | ISBN-10: 1405199636 | ISBN-13: 978-1405199636 | Edition: 1

Serial Killers - Philosophy for Everyone investigates our profound intrigue with mass-murderers. Exploring existential, ethical and political questions through an examination of real and fictional serial killers, philosophy comes alive via an exploration of grisly death.

• Presents new philosophical theories about serial killing, and relates new research in cognitive science to the minds of serial killers
• Includes a philosophical look at real serial killers such as Ian Brady, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Zodiac killer, as well as fictional serial killers such as Dexter and Hannibal Lecter
• Offers a new phenomenological examination of the writings of the Zodiac Killer
• Contains an account of the disappearance of one of Ted Bundy's victims submitted by the organization Families and Friends of Missing Persons and Violent Crime Victims
• Integrates the insights of philosophers, academics, crime writers and police officers

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I found this book enlightening in many ways and on some things I'm not going to make too many mistakes if I use such people in any of my stories. I should also point out that none of the material is too graphic and centres mostly on what makes serial killers tick even if there is no precise pattern." (SFCrowsnest.co.uk, 1 April 2011)

"If you're a Dexter fan looking for someplace to start in learning about real-life serial killers, this is a solid and fairly complete volume to start with. At a slim 248 pages, it's also ideal for those who don't have the time to invest in a larger volume. As the title of the series implies, this really is a book that's accessible to everyone." (Digital Air Waves, November 2010)

"There is very little to complain about here. The language used is simple and it certainly leaves the reader with plenty of food for thought." (Curious Book Fan, November 2010)

"One thing I can say about this book, is it stays in your head, at least parts of it. Weeks after reading Serial Killers, Philosophy for Everyone, I still can't help but come back to the section concerning Dexter and how peoples outlook on a serial killer changes based on what they know of a serial killers background and family life. The book is definitely a conversation starter, having many since adding it to my coffee table books. You can always tell whose interested and who tries to pretend they don't see it." (Gatekeeper Chronicles blog, November 2010)

Review

"This pathbreaking volume deepens our understanding of human nature by exploring its most chilling aberrations.  Each essay bring brutality to bear on enduring topics in philosophy, including questions such as: Do serial killers have free will? Are they morally responsible? Do descriptions of extreme violence evoke emotions that cloud our judgment? And, why are we so captivated by the macabre?  At last, a book that goes beyond the gory details and investigates what murder means."
—Jesse Prinz, Distinguished Professor, City University of New York

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (October 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405199636
• ISBN-13: 978-1405199636
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)