Empathy v. psychopathy

10.16.2004

Psychopathy (now called "antisocial personality disorder") is the opposite of empathy. It's a personality disorder characterized by antisocial & impulsive (some would say egotistical) behavior. It's clinically diagnosed if three of the following conditions are met:

  1. Failure to conform to social norms w/ respect to lawful behaviors
  2. Deceitfulness, indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for selfish ends
  3. Impulsiveness & failure to plan ahead
  4. Irritability & aggressiveness, indicated by repeated conflicts
  5. Reckless disregard for the safety of others or self
  6. Consistent irresponsibility, especially regarding work or financial obligations
  7. Lack of remorse, being indifferent to or rationalizing hurting, mistreating, or stealing from others

It's also marked by parasitism, a grandiose sense of self-worth, failure to accept responsibility for own actions, and poor behavioral controls.

Empathy's a basic ability most humans have to see situations (or themselves) from another's perspective. Cats, for example, don't have empathy, since they don't demonstrate behavior suggesting they realize the world doesn't exist for their sole benefit.

Posted by Miguel at 02:53 AM