On the Criminal Mind: An Imaginary Lecture by Sigmund Freud

Abstract

In all the psychological writings of Sigmund Freud, there is only one which is entirely concerned with the criminal. This work is a two page chapter in an article called "Some Character-Types met with in Psycho-Analytic Work, " in which Freud sets forth his theory that many criminals are motivated by a sense of guilt. The rest of Freud's references to criminals are scattered amongst a prolific number of articles and books, written during a career spanning over forty years. The article which follows attempts to tie together these scattered references and do what, in fact, Freud never did-deliver a complete and systematic study on the criminal mind. While the paper attempts to base itself firmly in Freud's own words and thoughts, even to mimic his style, some extrapolation and speculation is always necessary when one moves from unsystematic parts to an organized whole.