Empathy and Moral Understanding in Psychopathy

Abstract

Abstract It is often claimed that psychopaths lack true moral understanding because they cannot empathize with others. But the empirical data do not support such a strong claim. Different studies of moral ability in psychopaths conflict, with some showing good competence and others impairments. Moreover, recent evidence suggests psychopaths can, but often don’t, empathize. We cannot therefore assume that psychopaths are incapable of knowing right from wrong.

Topics & Concepts