| It seems that the term "sociopath" isn't clearly defined: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathy#Sociopathy There are various contemporary usages of the term. Robert Hare claimed in a 1999 popular science book that sociopathy and psychopathy are often used interchangeably, but in some cases the term sociopathy is preferred because it is less likely than is psychopathy to be confused with psychosis, whereas in other cases which term is used may "reflect the user's views on the origins and determinates of the disorder". Hare contended that the term sociopathy is preferred by those that see the causes as due to social factors and early environment, and the term psychopathy preferred by those who believe that there are psychological, biological, and genetic factors involved in addition to environmental factors.[81] Hare also provides his own definitions: he describes psychopathy as not having a sense of empathy or morality, but sociopathy as only differing in sense of right and wrong from the average person. The common denominator in most definitions of sociopath seems to be a lack of guilt or remorse. Contrast that with: A sociopath, at best, will be able to put food on the table, but they will never be able to show genuine affection. I don't understand how this follows from a lack of guilt. Can it be true that a lack of ability to feel guilt makes someone an unfit parent, and that they should therefore lose their children? Where does it stop? For example, if we can detect but not treat sociopaths, then should we abort children who we know will become sociopaths? There are all kinds of issues that arise if people hold the view that sociopathy is a disease which should be treated. At some point, it's impossible to avoid the question of whether people should be treated against their will for the good of society. Doesn't it seem like "people should be able to live freely until they harm others" is somewhat more preferable to letting others define whether your personality should be modified before you've done anything wrong? |