Maibom, H.L. (2022). Empathy and moral understanding in psychopathy. In M. Vargas & J.M. Doris (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Moral Psychology (pp. 838-862). Oxford.

Empathy and Moral Understanding in Psychopathy

Xavier University

One highly debated question amongst psychologists is the extent to which individuals who fit the DSM-5's diagnostic criteria of a psychopath are responsible for their actions and understand the difference between right and wrong given the nature of their condition. A strong case can be made that they do understand the difference between right and wrong and thus can be held responsible for their actions. 

Psychopathy and Moral Responsibility

Psychopathy and Moral Responsibility References 

The debate as to whether or not psychopaths should be held morally responsible for their actions arises from the role of emotions in morality. Emotions are considered to be an integral component of morality as they are important in guiding moral judgements as emotions such as shame, fear, and guilt, help indicate to us that something is wrong. Psychopaths have been commonly considered to have a deficit in emotions. Thus, the question arises of if they don't have this, how can they know what's wrong? 

Psychopathy and Moral Responsibility: Role of Emotions in Morality 

Results of previous studies are mixed regarding the question whether psychopaths do or do not make moral judgements. 

Psychopathy and Moral Responsibility: Can Psychopaths Determine Right From Wrong?

Psychopaths do not experience empathy in the same way non psychopaths and respond differently to others in distress. It was found that psychopaths are able to 'feel what others feel' initially, imagining experiencing the pain themselves. Yet this feeling fades quickly and is mostly focused on themselves instead of the other person. Additionally, it has been argued that empathy largely contributes to an individual's moral knowledge and it is largely based on cognition. According to this argument, psychopaths are able to experience empathy in some capacity  They have a deficit of empathy, meaning it is difficult for them to empathize but not impossible. 

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