Does society have a duty to reform the minds of the violent?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When an individual commits acts of cruelty, do we have an ethical obligation to offer therapy? Professor Gwen Adshead explores whether the goal of rehabilitation is a universal right, or if individuals possess a fundamental right to be left alone to make their own bad choices.

In her Gresham College lecture, Professor Gwen Adshead examines the complex intersection of ethics, mental health, and social risk. She defines a 'dangerous mind' through the lens of social connection, suggesting that violence is fundamentally antisocial. In this context, antisocial behavior is not merely about breaking laws, but about attacking the connections and agreements that bind members of a social group together. She explores how media and storytelling can influence this process. This lecture also addresses the political dimensions of mental change.

Adshead distinguishes between different types of rule-breaking to navigate the tension between social order and individual liberty. While she acknowledges that legitimate dissent and protest against unfair laws are often unfairly labeled as 'dangerous' by the status quo, she draws a sharp line at direct harm. Unlike protesters, who typically break rules to advocate for more pro-social alternatives, those with a truly dangerous mind lack an alternative set of pro-social rules or beliefs to offer. She notes that breaking rules often leads to social isolation. This exclusion is particularly intense for those who harm vulnerable people.

This distinction raises profound ethical questions regarding the treatment of violent individuals. If violence is a failure of social connection, does the state or the medical community have a duty to intervene and provide therapy to repair those connections? Conversely, does a person have a right to their own cognitive processes, even if those processes lead to harmful choices? This inquiry moves beyond simple punishment, looking instead at the mechanisms of change and the moral responsibilities of a society toward those who pose a risk to others. The discussion draws on research conducted at Broadmoor Hospital. It considers whether there is a right to therapy for the violent.

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