Original Sin: Kathryn Paige Harden

In Original Sin, acclaimed psychologist Kathryn Paige Harden explores how genetics complicates traditional concepts of blame, punishment, and moral responsibility. Integrating cutting-edge DNA research with personal insights, Harden examines the tension between biological constraints and human agency through the lenses of addiction, violence, and antisocial behavior. Rather than using science to absolve wrongdoers or make guilt obsolete, she challenges readers to reckon differently with fairness. Ultimately, this revelatory inquiry urges us to move past ancient nature-versus-nurture debates to imagine a more humane, realistic vision of accountability for ourselves and society.

Kathryn Paige Harden is a professor in the department of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she leads the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab. Harden received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia and completed her clinical internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She has been honored by the American Psychological Association for her distinguished scientific contributions to the study of genetics and human individual differences.