Felix Schirmann
Winner Dissertation Prize 2015
Dissertation
The Good, the Bad, and the Brain: Theory and History of the Neuroscience of Morality.
Supervisor: Prof. G.C.G. Dehue
Co-supervisor: Dr S. Schleim
Nomination: University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Report of the Selection Committee
The research that underpinned this thesis has a remarkable focus: a neurobiological study of morality and immorality. Do people who commit crimes possess an aptitude for crime that can be detected in their brain and in their DNA? And can such bodily features even predict criminality? The topical and pressing nature of this subject is huge – just think of the role that these issues play in criminal cases. The remarkable thing about this thesis is its combination of neurobiological research and historical, philosophical, sociological and academic/theoretical aspects. Differences in historical periods and contemporary cultures can lend concepts other meanings. Think of the question of free will, which is not only empirical but also philosophical and judicial in nature. Erasmus and Luther disagreed on the issue. Felix Schirmann has a good eye for those culturally and historically determined differences and can express his observations in an excellent style. His thesis will therefore appeal to a wide readership.
