Does a "Gene of Evil" Exist? An Investigation into the Biological Roots of Malice

The question of what makes an individual capable of committing extreme acts of violence or developing deviant behaviors is as old as humanity itself. Over the centuries, philosophers, theologians, and scientists have sought to understand whether malice is innate or the result of environmental and social factors. Today, with advances in neuroscience and genetics, the question has evolved into a more scientific and concrete one: does a "gene of evil" exist? Is it possible that the tendency to commit evil acts is written in our DNA, or is malice purely a social and psychological construct?

This article aims to explore the biological potentialities that might predispose an individual to develop evil or violent behaviors, examining discoveries in genetics, neuroscience, and developmental psychology. It will review scientific evidence suggesting the existence of a "gene of evil," as well as the controversial ethical and moral implications such an assertion carries.

The Genetics of Behavior: A DNA Prone to Violence?

Genetics has made enormous strides in recent decades, allowing scientists to identify specific genes that can influence human behavior. While there is no single "gene of evil," several studies have shown that certain genetic variants can predispose an individual to aggressive, impulsive, and violent behavior. The issue, however, is not about the existence of a single gene, but about the combination of genetic factors and environmental influences that affect the expression of certain behavioral traits.

• The MAO-A Gene and Violence: One of the most studied genes in relation to violent behavior is MAO-A, which encodes an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A. This enzyme is responsible for regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood and behavior. Specifically, a variant of the MAO-A gene, which reduces the enzyme's activity, has been linked to aggressive and impulsive behavior. However, the mere presence of this genetic variant is not sufficient to cause violent behavior; it requires interaction with environmental factors, such as childhood abuse or trauma, to manifest fully.

• Genetics and Aggressiveness: Other studies have explored the relationship between aggressiveness and genetic variants that affect the function of the nervous system. The dopamine gene, for example, appears to play a significant role in modulating the response to reward and punishment, influencing the ability to regulate emotions such as frustration and impulsivity. The presence of certain genetic variants that make a person more sensitive to immediate gratification may predispose the individual to impulsive and violent behaviors, as they might react more intensely to frustration or anger.

• The Role of Epigenetics: While genetics are fundamental in determining behavioral traits, epigenetics has shown that the environment in which a person grows up has a significant impact on how certain genes are expressed. Childhood trauma, mistreatment, and abuse can alter how genes are expressed, amplifying the predisposition to violence or criminality. This suggests that while there may be a genetic predisposition to certain behaviors, the environment can "turn on" or "turn off" these tendencies.

  
  

The Case of Michael Stone and the "Gene of Evil"

An emblematic example of how genetics and environment can interact is the case of Michael Stone, one of the most well-known criminologists, who proposed a classification system for serial killers based on their psychology and developmental dynamics. Stone coined the term "gene of evil" to refer to individuals who, due to specific genetic traits and dysfunctional environmental circumstances, are predisposed to commit acts of violence. While Stone does not point to a true "gene of evil," the concept raises an important reflection: does there exist a biological predisposition to certain behaviors, which can, however, be influenced and amplified by life experiences?

In this context, the idea of a "gene of evil" moves away from absolute biological determinism, suggesting instead that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to more impulsive or violent reactions, but that this largely depends on the circumstances of their life. If, on one hand, the "gene of evil" may exist as a genetic predisposition, on the other, it cannot be viewed as the sole determining factor in human behavior.

Neurobiology and Psychopathy: An Intricate Connection

Beyond genetics, it is important to consider the brain dysfunctions that may predispose an individual to develop antisocial and violent tendencies. In particular, psychopaths, who make up a significant percentage of serial killers, show abnormalities in the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. These areas of the brain are involved in emotional regulation, empathy, and impulse control. Lesions or underactivation of these brain regions can reduce an individual's ability to feel remorse, compassion, or sensitivity toward their victims, facilitating violent behaviors without remorse.

• Anomalies in the Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex is essential for moral decision-making and impulse control. Dysfunction in this area of the brain can lead to an inability to inhibit aggressive and antisocial behaviors, often observed in psychopaths. Neuroimaging studies have revealed that many serial killers exhibit reduced activity in these brain regions, suggesting that some violent behaviors may also result from neurobiological dysfunctions.

  
  

Ethical Implications: Responsibility and Biological Determinism

The idea that malice could be partly determined by genetics raises significant ethical questions. If there were a gene that predisposed an individual to violent behaviors, to what extent could the moral responsibility of that individual be diminished? Such questions have crucial implications for criminal law and forensic psychology. If genetics plays a key role in criminal behavior, how can we balance individual responsibility with the awareness of a possible biological predisposition to violence?

However, it is important to emphasize that even though some people may be biologically predisposed to violence, this does not mean that violence is inevitable. Most people with a genetic predisposition to violence do not become criminals, thanks to protective factors such as a healthy family environment, positive life experiences, and the capacity for self-control.

there is no single gene of evil that determines malice or violence, but rather a complex combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors that interact and influence one another. While certain genes may predispose individuals to violent or impulsive behaviors, the environment plays a fundamental role in determining how these tendencies manifest.

The idea of a "gene of evil" is a useful metaphor for understanding the potential biological roots of certain behaviors, but it must be treated with caution. Moral choices, culture, and life experiences play an equally important role in shaping an individual. Ongoing research in genetics, neuroscience, and epigenetics will continue to clarify these complex dynamics.

Doktor Lazarus