Serial Killers – Philosophy for Everyone Being and Killing

“Serial Killers – Philosophy for Everyone: Being and Killing” by S. Waller, published by John Wiley & Sons on October 11, 2010, is a thought-provoking exploration of our fascination with mass murderers. This edition, comprising 256 pages, delves into existential, ethical, and political questions through the lens of both real and fictional serial killers. The book presents new philosophical theories about serial killing and connects recent research in cognitive science to the minds of these individuals, making philosophy accessible through the examination of grim realities.

Readers will find a comprehensive analysis that includes philosophical perspectives on notorious figures such as Ian Brady, Ted Bundy, and Jeffrey Dahmer, alongside fictional characters like Dexter and Hannibal Lecter. The text also features a phenomenological examination of the Zodiac Killer’s writings and an account of one of Bundy’s victims, contributed by Families and Friends of Missing Persons and Violent Crime Victims. By integrating insights from philosophers, academics, crime writers, and law enforcement, this book offers a multifaceted view of the complex relationship between philosophy and the darker aspects of human nature.