Watch Understanding the Dark Side of Human Nature

Understanding the Dark Side of Human Nature is a fascinating lecture series from The Great Courses Signature Collection, starring Daniel Breyer, a professor of philosophy and ethics, who explores the concept of evil and its different forms in our society. The course consists of 24 lectures, each of them focusing on a particular aspect of evil behavior, such as aggression, revenge, prejudice, and deception.

Dr. Breyer begins the series by defining what he means by "the dark side of human nature" and how different philosophers and psychologists have approached this subject in the past. He discusses the idea that evil is not just a product of individual personality traits or mental illness, but rather a complex phenomenon that arises from social, political, and cultural factors.

Throughout the lectures, Dr. Breyer uses real-life examples to illustrate his points, from historical atrocities such as the Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide, to modern-day issues such as hate speech and online harassment. He also draws from literature, art, and film to explore the representation of evil in our culture and how it shapes our perceptions and attitudes.

One of the main themes of the course is the question of responsibility for evil acts. Dr. Breyer examines the different theories and arguments that people use to justify their actions, from moral relativism to deterministic views of human nature. He also looks at the role of social norms and institutions in enabling or preventing evil behavior, and how we can create a more ethical society.

Another interesting aspect of the lectures is the exploration of the psychology of evil. Dr. Breyer delves into the various theories and experiments that have been conducted to understand why people engage in harmful actions, and how they perceive themselves and their victims. He also looks at the phenomenon of groupthink and how it can lead to collective evil, as well as the role of empathy and compassion in preventing it.

Overall, Understanding the Dark Side of Human Nature is a thought-provoking and engaging course that challenges our assumptions about evil and its complexities. Dr. Breyer's expertise in philosophy and ethics allows him to approach this subject from multiple angles, and his engaging style makes the lectures accessible to a wide range of viewers. Whether you are interested in psychology, sociology, or history, this course offers valuable insights into the darker aspects of human behavior and how we can confront them.

Understanding the Dark Side of Human Nature is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between July 19, 2019 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection