Lex Fridman Podcast

#483 – Julia Shaw: Criminal Psychology of Murder, Serial Killers, Memory & Sex

782 snips
Oct 14, 2025
Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist and author, dives into the dark aspects of human nature. She dissects psychopathy, addressing the controversial nature versus nurture debate using baby Hitler as a lens. Julia reveals how dehumanization fuels violence and underscores the importance of empathy. They explore the psychology behind serial killers, focusing on loneliness and impulsivity. Julia also discusses false memories, how AI could craft deceitful narratives, and the urgent need for restorative justice in crime. Her insights on relationship dynamics, kinks, and environmental crime provide a thought-provoking window into human behavior.
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INSIGHT

Dark Traits Are Continuous

  • The Dark Tetrad traits (psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, sadism) exist on continuous scales rather than as binary labels.
  • Scoring high on multiple traits raises harm risk, but most people are subclinical and mixed across traits.
INSIGHT

Reject Binary 'Evil' Labels

  • Calling people "evil" ends conversations and prevents understanding root causes of harmful acts.
  • Empathizing with offenders helps reveal psychological and social levers to prevent future harm.
INSIGHT

Group Dynamics Enable Atrocities

  • Dehumanization plus de-individuation (us-vs-them group identity) enable large-scale violence like war.
  • These social processes create a cloak of moral justification for atrocities.
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