The Serial Killer Era of the 70s/80s: Lore, Patterns, and Plausible Explanations

In this book, Steven Pinker presents a detailed argument that violence has significantly decreased over the course of human history. He uses extensive data and statistical analysis to demonstrate this decline in various domains, including military conflict, homicide, genocide, torture, and the treatment of children, homosexuals, animals, and racial and ethnic minorities. Pinker identifies four key human motivations – empathy, self-control, the moral sense, and reason – as the 'better angels' that have oriented humans away from violence and towards cooperation and altruism. He also discusses historical forces such as the rise of the state (which he terms 'Leviathan'), the spread of commerce, the growth of feminist values, and the expansion of cosmopolitanism, which have contributed to this decline in violence.

In this groundbreaking book, David Deutsch argues that explanations have a fundamental place in the universe and that improving them is the basic regulating principle of all successful human endeavor. The book takes readers on a journey through various fields of science, history of civilization, art, moral values, and the theory of political institutions. Deutsch explains how we form new explanations and drop bad ones, and discusses the conditions under which progress, which he argues is potentially boundless, can and cannot happen. He emphasizes the importance of good explanations, which he defines as those that are 'hard to vary' and have 'reach', and argues that these explanations are central to the Enlightenment way of thinking and to all scientific and philosophical progress.

The Silence of the Lambs, published in 1988, is a novel by Thomas Harris that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is assigned to capture the serial killer known as 'Buffalo Bill. ' To gain insights into the case, Starling seeks the help of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. The novel explores the complex and manipulative relationship between Starling and Lecter as they navigate the dark and intricate world of serial killers. The story delves into themes of psychological profiling, trauma, and the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and criminals. The novel is renowned for its detailed characterization and its impact on the thriller genre, and it has been adapted into a highly acclaimed film directed by Jonathan Demme.

In 'The Anatomy of Violence,' Adrian Raine presents a comprehensive analysis of the biological factors that contribute to violent behavior. The book delves into the interplay of genetics, brain structures, and neurochemistry, highlighting how these elements can predispose individuals to aggression and violence. Raine discusses groundbreaking research, including neuroimaging studies and genetic findings, such as the role of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene. He also explores the ethical implications of attributing violent behavior to biological factors, challenging traditional notions of moral responsibility and free will. The book includes case studies and historical context, making it a detailed and thought-provoking examination of the complex underpinnings of violence.

This book provides a comprehensive and gripping narrative of the Manson Family murders, including the Tate-LaBianca killings, and the trial that followed. Bugliosi's insider perspective as the prosecutor offers unique insights into the investigation, the psychology of Charles Manson and his followers, and the legal processes involved. The book has become the best-selling true crime book in history and has had a significant impact on popular culture and legal practices.

This book is the result of twenty years of meticulous research by Tom O'Neill, who questions the Helter Skelter scenario presented by Vincent Bugliosi. O'Neill's investigation delves into police carelessness, legal misconduct, and potential surveillance by intelligence agents. The book explores the connections between Charles Manson, Hollywood figures, and the CIA's mind-control experiments, presenting a complex and alternative view of the Manson murders and their place in American history.