Original Sin: A Deep Dive into the Genetics of Wrongdoing
In her compelling new book, Original Sin: The Genetics of Wrongdoing, the Problem of Blame and the Future of Forgiveness, psychologist Kathryn Paige Harden tackles one of humanity's oldest questions: are criminals born or made? Drawing on cutting-edge research, Harden, a professor at the University of Texas, delves into the intricate interplay between inherited traits and life circumstances that influence behaviours like crime and substance abuse.
From Personal Faith to Scientific Inquiry
Raised in a southern evangelical church, Harden left her religious upbringing but acknowledges its lasting impact, comparing it to a childhood virus that never fully disappears. This background fuels her exploration of how Christian concepts of sin and forgiveness continue to shape moral debates, particularly in the context of America's punitive criminal justice system. She highlights the stark reality that only in the US can juvenile offenders face life imprisonment without parole, a policy she argues reflects a deep-seated belief in original sin—the idea that some individuals are inherently bad.
Bridging Science and Personal Experience
Harden masterfully weaves personal anecdotes with scientific findings, discussing her estrangement from her parents and the trials of early motherhood with raw honesty. This approach helps bridge the gap between abstract theories, such as twin studies on self-regulation, and the subjective experience of moral agency. Her book is rich with intriguing discoveries, including:
- Religiosity is largely genetically determined, with step-siblings raised together showing no more similarity in religious views than strangers.
- Minor physical anomalies, like low ears or webbed toes, correlate with increased aggression.
- Paper wasps exhibit moral-like behaviours by punishing greedy drones and queens in their hives.
These examples suggest that moral feelings, such as blame and retribution, are biologically encoded to foster social cooperation. Yet, Harden poses a critical question: if science shows people have limited control over their actions, should moral outrage become obsolete?
Rethinking Punishment and Responsibility
While some philosophers argue for abandoning blame, Harden adopts a more nuanced stance. She contends that holding individuals morally responsible acknowledges their humanity, but an understanding of genetic and social factors should reform notions of just punishment. She illustrates this with the tragic case of Marcia Powell, who died in an Arizona prison cage after being arrested for propositioning an officer, underscoring the system's cruelty and resistance to change.
Ethical Dilemmas and Future Implications
Harden also addresses provocative ethical questions, such as whether selecting embryos for higher self-control is advisable. She firmly rejects this idea, arguing that moral diversity drives societal progress and that categorising people as inherently good or evil is a eugenicist fantasy. Through stories of notorious criminals, she challenges readers to confront an uncomfortable truth: these individuals are not so different from us, prompting reflection on how a just society should treat them.
Published by W&N, Original Sin offers a thought-provoking examination of blame, forgiveness, and the future of criminal justice, urging policymakers to reconsider punitive approaches in light of scientific insights.
