How Criminals Justify Their Conduct

How Criminals Justify Their Conduct

From Bribe, Swindle or Steal by Alexandra Wrage

May 6, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 7

About this episode

Shaul Shalvi discusses how individuals rationalize their unethical actions.

Shaul Shalvi, Professor of Behavioral Ethics at the University of Amsterdam, describes how people convince themselves that their misconduct is okay. This episode was originally published on 21 June 2017.

People in this episode

Host: Alexandra Wrage

Guest: Shaul Shalvi

Topics covered

  • behavioral ethics
  • misconduct
  • self-justification
  • criminal behavior
  • psychology

Keywords

  • behavioral ethics
  • misconduct
  • self-justification
  • criminal conduct
  • psychology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Amsterdam

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