Welcome to Episode 5 of Beyond the Concept: Applying Psychology to Life! In this episode, I explore how Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment connects to Russian psychology and the ongoing debate between free will and determinism.Dostoyevsky masterfully dives into the psychological turmoil of his protagonist, Raskolnikov, capturing the complex mix of reasoning, fear, and guilt that follows his crime. His novel explores not only the inner workings of a criminal’s mind but also larger questions of morality, justice, and the forces that shape human behavior.But how does this novel connect to psychology? While Dostoyevsky examined individual consciousness, Soviet psychology, under Lenin and Stalin, rejected the study of free will, focusing instead on external social conditions as the primary force behind human behavior. By enforcing dialectical materialism as the only acceptable psychological framework, Soviet leaders dismissed introspection, emotions, and personal responsibility—something Dostoyevsky would have fiercely challenged.As I prepare for a career in law and advocacy, this episode raises critical questions:How does psychology shape our legal system?Are we punishing individuals for circumstances beyond their control?How do we balance accountability with rehabilitation?Dostoyevsky’s insights remain as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. Join me as I explore the intersection of literature, psychology, and justice in this thought-provoking discussion.Key Topics Covered:Psychological realism in Crime and PunishmentRaskolnikov’s mental state—guilt, paranoia, and philosophical justificationsSoviet psychology and the rejection of free willHow Marxist ideology shaped the study of human behaviorThe balance between external influences and personal responsibilityHow Dostoyevsky’s work informs modern psychology and criminal justiceConnections to my advocacy work in trauma- and abuse-informed legal systemsResources Mentioned:Beveridge, A. (2009). "Is everyone mad?" The depiction of mental disturbance in the work of Dostoyevsky. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(1), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.108.005496Dostoyevsky, F. (1866/2009). Crime and Punishment (C. Garnett, Trans.). The Floating Press. (Original work published 1866)Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A history of psychology: Globalization, ideas, and applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.Uwasomba, C. (2011). A socio-psychological exploration of Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Ife Psychologia, 19(1), 280–297. https://doi.org/10.4314/ifep.v19i1.64603Connect with Me:Email: [email protected] to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! I’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you think psychology should influence our legal system? Let’s continue the conversation about free will, accountability, and justice.Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning!

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