📖 Overview
Kevin Dutton is a British psychologist and researcher known for his work on the psychology of persuasion, psychopathy, and social influence. He serves as a Research Fellow at the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford.
His books "The Wisdom of Psychopaths" (2012) and "The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success" (2014) explored controversial theories about the potential benefits of certain psychopathic traits in everyday life. These works examined how characteristics typically associated with psychopaths might be advantageous in professions like surgery, law enforcement, and business leadership.
Dutton's research has focused on the neuroscience of social behavior and the psychological mechanisms behind persuasion and decision-making. His academic work includes studies on moral decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Beyond his academic research, Dutton has written for Scientific American, Psychology Today, and other publications, making complex psychological concepts accessible to general audiences. His later books include "Flipnosis: The Art of Split-Second Persuasion" (2010) and "Black and White Thinking" (2020).
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Dutton's ability to make complex psychology concepts clear and engaging for non-academic audiences. Many note his talent for mixing scientific research with real-world examples and personal anecdotes.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of psychopathy research
- Engaging writing style that balances science with storytelling
- Practical applications of psychological concepts
- Fresh perspective on traditionally negative traits
What readers disliked:
- Some find his theories controversial or overly sensational
- Repetitive content across books
- Too much personal commentary and anecdotes
- Claims sometimes lack sufficient scientific backing
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- "The Wisdom of Psychopaths": 3.8/5 (15,000+ ratings)
- "Flipnosis": 3.7/5 (2,000+ ratings)
- "Black and White Thinking": 3.9/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Average 4.2/5 across all books
- Highest-rated: "The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success" (4.4/5)
- Lowest-rated: "Sorted!" (3.9/5)
📚 Books by Kevin Dutton
The Wisdom of Psychopaths: What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success (2012)
Examines how certain psychopathic traits can be beneficial in professional settings and explores the spectrum of psychopathic behavior across different careers and contexts.
Flipnosis: The Art of Split-Second Persuasion (2010) Investigates the science behind rapid persuasion techniques and instantaneous influence through real-world examples and psychological research.
The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success (2014) Details how specific psychopathic characteristics might be harnessed constructively for personal and professional advancement.
Split-Second Persuasion: The Ancient Art and New Science of Changing Minds (2011) Analyzes the psychological mechanisms behind instant persuasion through scientific research and case studies.
Black and White Thinking: The Burden of a Binary Brain in a Complex World (2020) Explores how categorical thinking affects decision-making and behavior in modern society through the lens of evolutionary psychology.
Flipnosis: The Art of Split-Second Persuasion (2010) Investigates the science behind rapid persuasion techniques and instantaneous influence through real-world examples and psychological research.
The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success (2014) Details how specific psychopathic characteristics might be harnessed constructively for personal and professional advancement.
Split-Second Persuasion: The Ancient Art and New Science of Changing Minds (2011) Analyzes the psychological mechanisms behind instant persuasion through scientific research and case studies.
Black and White Thinking: The Burden of a Binary Brain in a Complex World (2020) Explores how categorical thinking affects decision-making and behavior in modern society through the lens of evolutionary psychology.
👥 Similar authors
Robert Hare - Creator of the PCL-R psychopathy checklist and pioneering researcher in psychopathy studies. His work "Without Conscience" provides foundational research on psychopathy that Dutton frequently references.
Jon Ronson - His book "The Psychopath Test" explores similar territory to Dutton's work through investigative journalism. He examines psychopathy in business leaders and institutions while maintaining scientific rigor.
Paul Babiak - Co-wrote "Snakes in Suits" focusing on corporate psychopathy and manipulation in business environments. His research centers on how psychopathic traits manifest in professional settings.
Daniel Kahneman - His work on decision-making and cognitive biases parallels Dutton's interest in human psychology and behavior. "Thinking Fast and Slow" examines psychological mechanisms that influence judgment and choice-making.
Martha Stout - Her book "The Sociopath Next Door" examines how personality disorders manifest in everyday life. She explores conscience and morality in ways that complement Dutton's research on psychopathy in society.
Jon Ronson - His book "The Psychopath Test" explores similar territory to Dutton's work through investigative journalism. He examines psychopathy in business leaders and institutions while maintaining scientific rigor.
Paul Babiak - Co-wrote "Snakes in Suits" focusing on corporate psychopathy and manipulation in business environments. His research centers on how psychopathic traits manifest in professional settings.
Daniel Kahneman - His work on decision-making and cognitive biases parallels Dutton's interest in human psychology and behavior. "Thinking Fast and Slow" examines psychological mechanisms that influence judgment and choice-making.
Martha Stout - Her book "The Sociopath Next Door" examines how personality disorders manifest in everyday life. She explores conscience and morality in ways that complement Dutton's research on psychopathy in society.