Any serial killer/ criminology enthusiasts out there?

YES! I know it seems weird but I am a major enthusiast I agree, no genes are being passed on from generation to generation so not quite sure how that argument can explain it really. I understand the idea of it being related to survival of the fittest but I fail to see how some serial killers saw their victim as a threat to their survival... But I dunno. Gonna have to think harder about this haha.

So am I. I think they meant the psychology of serial murder is an evolutionary adaptation in order to eliminate any competition. I guess it's not as of yet evolved enough to pick out actual threats, which is why most of the victims are picked at random or as a result of sexually motivated crimes... but the base foundation to murder as a new approach to "survival of the fittest" is there. I found it a really interesting concept, even if there's very little evidence to support it.

maybe but you must also take into account the various serial killers who have mental health issues. is it a predatory natural instinct or is it because of their borderline insanity?

maybe but you must also take into account the various serial killers who have mental health issues. is it a predatory natural instinct or is it because of their borderline insanity?

So am I. I think they meant the psychology of serial murder is an evolutionary adaptation in order to eliminate any competition. I guess it's not as of yet evolved enough to pick out actual threats, which is why most of the victims are picked at random or as a result of sexually motivated crimes... but the base foundation to murder as a new approach to "survival of the fittest" is there. I found it a really interesting concept, even if there's very little evidence to support it.

Exactly what I was going to say. But the things is you never know, if it was inherited and therefore passed down from gene to gene why did their parents and various other ancestors not act in such a way???

Mmm, possibly. Except when certain serial killers have been assessed yes some of them are out to vindicate but if anything some seemed to think they were doing good or whatever. Its okay to look at the psychology of it all, but when it comes to criminology people try to stay away from getting into the mind of the killer as that can lead to many assumptions and the idea of thinking you know it all etc. etc. plus its more why, how versus what & who... if that makes sense. Wait... not even sure if that makes sense to me Yeah its rather interesting! There's a lot to be found up before we can even come to ome sort of a conclusion, plus other theories need to be taken into consideration. But yeah I think I'm gonna have a little think about this.

Thing about evolution is that physically speaking, it doesn't really exist anymore in humans - if you have any evidence that it does, feel free to prove me wrong. Mental evolution is where it's all at, in my opinion. Whereas being detached or misanthropic as many serial killers are could be considered to be could be an advantage with regards to ensuring the continuation of your own genetics, it also swings the other way. You could argue that empathy is an evolutionary advantage for the human race as a whole, a person may put themselves in danger for the 'greater good' of mankind (though really, the good of mankind is non-existent), which would help improve the survival of the human race as a whole, but not ensure their genetics continue on through generations. Whilst on the topic of evolution I'd like to point out an unpopular opinion of mine - if serial killers are well adapted creatures, then suicidal people are maladaptive. Since In my opinion I believe that all evolution happens within the mind now, this would mean that suicidal depression is a way of filtering out those who are perhaps not mentally strong enough for our society. Such as fight to the death scenarios - would you be able to defend yourself if a serial killer was to approach you? More importantly would you want to, or rather, have the guts to? That is the new natural selection.

I definitely understand where you're coming from with that. I think individualistic society has developed to the point that the survival of the collective is no longer a priority. I struggle to apply evolution to the way we live nowadays, apart from where it concerns the psychology of an individual. Another point is that a lot of serial killers describe the impulse to kill as uncontrollable, like Bundy- which is undeniably maladaptive. Evolution also fails to explain killers like Panzram, who killed out of a complete hatred of human kind. But when we look at Brady, who calculated and had absolute control over his murderous desires, and has an IQ of genius level, you can almost see why they could be considered as well adapted. Despite being repulsive to most of the human race. Also, brave opinion. And I would agree up to a certain point. But what about those that suffer suicidal depression and don't kill themselves? Surely they're psychologically stronger than those that don't have to fight the risk of suicide on a regular basis. And I'd definitely have a go at anyone that threatened my life... Ramirez or not I'd take them or die trying. Points for being well adapted?