Why are we so fascinated with serial killers?
It’s a curious, yet timeless question. Why are we so fascinated with serial killers? Is it our fear, curiosity, disbelief that someone could commit such atrocities? To explore these questions, let’s turn to two books that delve into this dark topic—The Psychology of Dexter by Bella Depaulo PHD, and Serial Killers: Philosophy for Everyone by Fritz Allhoff.
The Psychology of Dexter examines the popular Showtime series, which follows the life of a serial killer who only kills those who “deserve it.” Through psychological analysis and insight from behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew members, readers are able to gain an understanding of why people enjoy watching stories about Dexter Morgan—a character who is both repulsive and compelling. Depaulo argues that viewers can relate to Dexter’s struggle between morality and justice as he navigates his own moral code in a world that does not understand him.
Serial Killers: Philosophy for Everyone takes an academic approach to examining the nature of evil. Allhoff looks at different philosophical perspectives on why some people become serial killers and how society should respond to them. He addresses questions such as “What makes someone a monster?” and “Do serial killers have free will?” Through philosophical arguments drawn from ethical theories like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, Allhoff offers readers an engaging look at this complex topic.
Both books provide readers with thought-provoking insights into the psyche of the serial killer—a phenomenon that continues to fascinate us centuries after Jack the Ripper terrorized London streets. While there is no one answer as to why we are drawn to these criminals or their stories, exploring them through literature allows us to make sense of something unknowable—as well as confront our own fears head on. If you’re looking for an interesting read on this dark subject matter, then The Psychology of Dexter by Bella Depaulo PHD or Serial Killers: Philosophy for Everyone by Fritz Allhoff are must-reads!
Why are we so fascinated with serial killers?
It’s a curious, yet timeless question. Why are we so fascinated with serial killers? Is it our fear, curiosity, disbelief that someone could commit such atrocities? To explore these questions, let’s turn to two books that delve into this dark topic—The Psychology of Dexter by Bella Depaulo PHD, and Serial Killers: Philosophy for Everyone by Fritz Allhoff.
The Psychology of Dexter examines the popular Showtime series, which follows the life of a serial killer who only kills those who “deserve it.” Through psychological analysis and insight from behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew members, readers are able to gain an understanding of why people enjoy watching stories about Dexter Morgan—a character who is both repulsive and compelling. Depaulo argues that viewers can relate to Dexter’s struggle between morality and justice as he navigates his own moral code in a world that does not understand him.
Serial Killers: Philosophy for Everyone takes an academic approach to examining the nature of evil. Allhoff looks at different philosophical perspectives on why some people become serial killers and how society should respond to them. He addresses questions such as “What makes someone a monster?” and “Do serial killers have free will?” Through philosophical arguments drawn from ethical theories like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, Allhoff offers readers an engaging look at this complex topic.
Both books provide readers with thought-provoking insights into the psyche of the serial killer—a phenomenon that continues to fascinate us centuries after Jack the Ripper terrorized London streets. While there is no one answer as to why we are drawn to these criminals or their stories, exploring them through literature allows us to make sense of something unknowable—as well as confront our own fears head on. If you’re looking for an interesting read on this dark subject matter, then The Psychology of Dexter by Bella Depaulo PHD or Serial Killers: Philosophy for Everyone by Fritz Allhoff are must-reads!
