The social reasons for people to commit murder. A difference between 'mad' and 'normal'?

Essay , 2012 , 10 Pages , Grade: 2.1

Philosophy - Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics, Culture, Nature, Right, ...)

When society differentiates between the ‘mad’ and the ‘normal’ there is a clear notion that the ‘normal’ are viewed as superior beings. The delusional world of the ‘mad’ is miles apart from the reality of ‘normal’ life, and therefore cannot possibly have a positive influence on those within it. But when one explores the reason for murder, the intentions that evolve from both the delusional world of the mad and the ‘normals’ reality, paint a very different picture of rationality. This leads us to explore the concept that the individuals that we so readily declare as ‘mad’ are actually equally in tune with sanity.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Are the 'mad' normal and the 'normal' mad, exploring the reasons for murder
• The Social Construction of Normality
• The Socialisation Process
• The Reality of the ‘Mad’
• The Psychological Makeup of the Self
• Reasons for Murder
• Survival Instinct
• The Mad and the Normal

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This text aims to challenge the common perception that individuals labeled as "mad" are inherently different from "normal" individuals in terms of their rationality and capacity for violence. It explores the possibility that the "mad" may possess a more accurate understanding of social constructs and the underlying motivations for human behavior, including murder. This analysis is based on the concept of socialisation, Freud's psychoanalytical theory, and an examination of the survival instinct.

• The Social Construction of Normality
• The Reality of the "Mad"
• The Role of the Unconscious in Human Behavior
• The Survival Instinct and its Influence on Murder
• The Misinterpretation of External Stimuli

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Are the 'mad' normal and the 'normal' mad, exploring the reasons for murder: This chapter introduces the main argument, challenging the perceived dichotomy between the "mad" and the "normal" in relation to violence and rationality. It discusses the social construction of normality and the role of socialisation in shaping individual behavior.
• The Social Construction of Normality: This chapter explores the definition of "normal" and the impact of socialisation on individual development. It highlights how societal expectations and pressures can influence individual behavior and the adoption of a "false image" to conform to societal norms.
• The Reality of the ‘Mad’: This chapter delves into the concept of "madness" and examines the experiences and perceptions of those labeled as "mad." It suggests that the "mad" might possess a unique perspective on reality, potentially seeing through the socially constructed facade. This section introduces Freud's psychoanalytical theory as a framework for understanding the psychological differences between the "mad" and the "normal."
• The Psychological Makeup of the Self: This chapter examines Freud's theory of the Id, ego, and superego, suggesting that the "mad" might have a less developed ego, leading to an inability to rationally process internal and external stimuli. It highlights the potential for both the "mad" and the "normal" to be driven by unconscious urges and desires.
• Reasons for Murder: This chapter explores the possibility that both the "mad" and the "normal" are capable of committing murder based on the survival instinct. It examines the extreme conditions that can lead to homicidal choices and the media's portrayal of "mad" people in relation to violence.
• Survival Instinct: This chapter delves deeper into the survival instinct and how it can override moral and social considerations in extreme situations, drawing on the example of the plane crash survivors in the Peruvian Andes.
• The Mad and the Normal: This chapter compares and contrasts the reasons for murder expressed by the "mad" and the "normal," arguing that the "mad" may be driven by a misinterpretation of external stimuli, while the "normal" are bound by moral codes that generally prevent violence.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The text focuses on the concepts of normality and madness, socialisation, Freud's psychoanalytical theory, the Id, ego, and superego, the survival instinct, and the motivations for murder.

• College: University of Leeds
• Course: Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Grade: 2.1
• Author: Rebecca Getliffe (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 10
• Catalog Number: V935545
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346264534
• Language: English
• Product Safety: GRIN Publishing GmbH