If this topic is of interest to you, start with Robert Hare's far superior book, "Without Conscience".
OH HAY.
Without Conscience was the book I was talking about, actually.
Psychopaths tend not to feel fear, and sociopaths usually don't feel guilt. There are lots of people out there who have tendencies of both diseases, but do not technically qualify for the diagnosis. There's a branch of mild schizophrenia (so mild that most people will never guess you have it) that causes emotional detachment. I know someone who literally cannot empathize with someone she hasn't personally met, yet is fiercely loyal and understanding of her friends. I also know a guy who can empathize with animals, but not most humans (except like his parents and girlfriend).
This. Because, guess what? There are other diseases and other disorders that form emotional distance in social situations. That doesn't mean they're sociopaths. Or even mean it. ...I can go longer on this rant but I'm stopping it here.
no subject
If this topic is of interest to you, start with Robert Hare's far superior book, "Without Conscience".
OH HAY.
Without Conscience was the book I was talking about, actually.
Psychopaths tend not to feel fear, and sociopaths usually don't feel guilt. There are lots of people out there who have tendencies of both diseases, but do not technically qualify for the diagnosis. There's a branch of mild schizophrenia (so mild that most people will never guess you have it) that causes emotional detachment. I know someone who literally cannot empathize with someone she hasn't personally met, yet is fiercely loyal and understanding of her friends. I also know a guy who can empathize with animals, but not most humans (except like his parents and girlfriend).
This. Because, guess what? There are other diseases and other disorders that form emotional distance in social situations. That doesn't mean they're sociopaths. Or even mean it. ...I can go longer on this rant but I'm stopping it here.