Why are there sociopaths?

[Contarini]

Now that was nice, I suffer from panic-disorder and depression. So I am a result of the Original Sin.

No, your disorder is. You are not your disorder.

Edwin

 

[Mary_Wolf]

Hi!

Some psychologists suggest that sociopaths and psychopaths have brains that are not “wired” the same as most of our brains are (example: Jodi Arias). It would seem that the best we can do is to imprison them to keep them away from the rest of us?
If they can’t feel real guilt for their crimes can they ever feel real sorrow for their sins?

 

[Cricket2]

Hi!

Some psychologists suggest that sociopaths and psychopaths have brains that are not “wired” the same as most of our brains are (example: Jodi Arias). It would seem that the best we can do is to imprison them to keep them away from the rest of us?
If they can’t feel real guilt for their crimes can they ever feel real sorrow for their sins?

I don’t think they can feel real sorrow. If they could, they would not commit the crimes they do, or mistreat people the way they do. Both are totally self-absorbed and the first and most important thing to them, is “themselves.”

I think there are times when we can all be sociopathic or even psychopathic in our behavior, and it is usually when we are being selfish about something or if we have really been hurt and start thinking of revenge. But most of us learn to or are able to recognize this as unacceptable and control our urges and reactions. It’s the folks that have no control or have reached a chronic state of indifference that worry me.

 

[Sparkythedog]

I don’t think they can feel real sorrow. If they could, they would not commit the crimes they do, or mistreat people the way they do. Both are totally self-absorbed and the first and most important thing to them, is “themselves.”

I think there are times when we can all be sociopathic or even psychopathic in our behavior, and it is usually when we are being selfish about something or if we have really been hurt and start thinking of revenge. But most of us learn to or are able to recognize this as unacceptable and control our urges and reactions. It’s the folks that have no control or have reached a chronic state of indifference that worry me.

I don’t see necessarily see selfishness as the issue. I see sociopathic behavior when people are viewed as “others”. This can be for a variety of reasons, but the root cause that I see is fear.

 

[Cricket2]

I don’t see necessarily see selfishness as the issue. I see sociopathic behavior when people are viewed as “others”. This can be for a variety of reasons, but the root cause that I see is fear.

I don’t see the fear part really. Unless you mean they are so wrapped up in making sure they have what they need and want they go to extremes to get it, even if it means lying, cheating, or harming others. Like they don’t trust true ability to acquire their needs?

I really think they lack empathy, and thus the selfish aspect. They don’t have the capacity to care about others, just themselves. Some are worse than others. For me, (just my opinion) psychopaths are just extreme sociopaths. They are the ones that have crossed all boundaries of social decency and care.

 

[Sparkythedog]

I don’t see the fear part really. Unless you mean they are so wrapped up in making sure they have what they need and want they go to extremes to get it, even if it means lying, cheating, or harming others. Like they don’t trust true ability to acquire their needs?

I really think they lack empathy, and thus the selfish aspect. They don’t have the capacity to care about others, just themselves. Some are worse than others. For me, (just my opinion) psychopaths are just extreme sociopaths. They are the ones that have crossed all boundaries of social decency and care.

When I was talking about fear, I was referring to this behavior in “normal” people not sociopaths. My understanding is sociopathy is a condition of the brain and, as you describe it, a lack of empathy. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[Cricket2]

When I was talking about fear, I was referring to this behavior in “normal” people not sociopaths. My understanding is sociopathy is a condition of the brain and, as you describe it, a lack of empathy. Sorry about the confusion.

Oh no problem. Now your post does make more sense to me.

 

[leemarvane]

Hi!

Some psychologists suggest that sociopaths and psychopaths have brains that are not “wired” the same as most of our brains are (example: Jodi Arias). It would seem that the best we can do is to imprison them to keep them away from the rest of us?
If they can’t feel real guilt for their crimes can they ever feel real sorrow for their sins?

That’s the rub. I was curious as to why God would create people who are genetically predisposed to lack compassion, empathy etc. Can they really be held accountable for their actions, when they lack the moral compass that so many other people have?

 

[Joie_de_Vivre]

That’s the rub. I was curious as to why God would create people who are genetically predisposed to lack compassion, empathy etc. Can they really be held accountable for their actions, when they lack the moral compass that so many other people have?

Things like this are a result of the Fall not part of man’s true nature.