David Eagleman The Brain On Trial

In the article, “The Brain on Trial” written by David Eagleman, the author analyzes the ethical dilemma between free will and crime. Eagleman uses a biological argument to show us how the brain disease can influence the behavior of the men. The central point of this argument is the issue of rehabilitation versus punishment. We need to consider how does the justice system is taking this problem? The first argument that Eagleman exposes is a real case of a man that killed thirteen people and wounded thirty-two more in Austin. The autopsy determines that the killer had a brain tumor that compressed the amygdala. “ The amygdala is involved in emotional regulation, especially fear and aggression” (Eagleman 432). The killer wrote a letter before commit the horrendous crime were expressed that he cannot control his emotions. He also confesses that he decided to kill his wife, without any logical reason. Pedophilia cases can also be related to brain tumors. These tumors commonly are located in the frontal lobe. “When the frontal lobes are compromised, people become disinhibited, and startling behaviors can emerge” (Eagleman 433). The author says that simple changes in the brain chemistry, genes and diseases can be responsible for these …show more content…
They received psychological attention but psychologist focused on the basic mental health services. Eagleman suggests a new direction in the justice system “one that will lead to a more cost-effective, humane, and flexible system than one we have today” (434). These people with mentally ill need rehabilitation but right now the justice system focus on punishment. Prisons are not mental health hospital for this reason they do not know how to deal with mental ill people. I agree with the author at this point. I consider that people deserve human