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Thinking Allowed: Evil; the morality of cycling

27/06/2012

Evil; the morality of cycling

BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed, Evil; the morality of cycling

Laurie Taylor asks if a sociology of evil is possible. Also, the morality of cycling.

The idea of 'evil' is often seen from a religious or psychological perspective. Laurie Taylor asks if a sociology of evil is possible. Also, the morality of cycling.

'Evil' is a concept more readily associated with theology and psychology than the social sciences. Tabloid headlines denounce 'evil' crimes but offer little in the way of explanation. Indeed, the very term implies that no explanation is possible. But Michel Wieviorka, the leading French sociologist, tells Laurie Taylor why he thinks that 'evil' can and should be subjected to sociological scrutiny. They're joined by Peter Young, Head of Criminology at the University of Kent. 

Also, the sociologist, Judith Green, talks about her study into the morality of cycling - do cyclists feel they are 'better' than drivers and have drivers conceded the ethical high ground? 

Producer: Jayne Egerton.

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