My view of ethics is largely based on biological determinism. I don't think there's any real separation between the mind and the physical brain. Like CTE, something like getting a tumor in the wrong part of the brain can cause extreme violent behavior that is outside of the control of the person with the tumor. Charles Whitman is a perfect example of this. He had a malignant tumor in his brain, that is widely thought to be responsible for him murdering his wife and mother, then going into a tower and killing another 17 people with a rifle. He described his descent into madness, and even asked that his brain be studied to come up with an explanation for why he was feeling uncontrollable violent urges. He sought treatment multiple times.
I do not quite understand what it is that compels me to type this letter. Perhaps it is to leave some vague reason for the actions I have recently performed. I do not really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I cannot recall when it started) I have been a victim of many unusual and irrational thoughts. These thoughts constantly recur, and it requires a tremendous mental effort to concentrate on useful and progressive tasks
The theory is the tumor was pressing on his amygdala.
So yes, if CTE is proven to have a causal role in OJ's actions that would change my outlook towards him, with regards to his responsibility for his actions. It would have no bearing on the heinous nature of his crimes, or the fact that he should be incarcerated to protect others from future violent outbursts.
