History UsefulNotes / LackOfEmpathy

In general, sociopaths experience the world so differently as to be effectively unperceivable by those with any grasp of empathy. They feel anger but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very egocentric and callous, and they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other people's emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).

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An interesting thought experiment is to compare lack of empathy with the philosophy of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solipsism solipsism]], the belief that "only one's own mind is sure to exist." As invented by the Greeks, it was a way of discussing the impermanence of knowledge, TheTreacheryOfImages, and the subjectivity of our senses, perception and consciousness. However, if you take it to its most extreme conclusion, you realize that ''nothing besides your mind exists''--well, it might, but there's no way to prove it one way or another. What results? The realization that none of your actions matter, because nothing else exists to judge you. You cannot cross the MoralEventHorizon because there ''is'' none to cross.

Is this actually how those with lack of empathy feel? That is perhaps best answered by [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment those who actually have the condition]]. But hopefully the comparison can shed some light on how someone ''with'' lack of empathy can arrive at the conclusions and the actions they do.

"Empathy" is described as the ability to comprehend the signals other sentient beings (mostly humans, but animals too) use to communicate emotion. "Lack of empathy" means you can't comprehend those signals. Think about all the EmotionTropes we use to identify and/or display emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, SomethingElseAlsoRises; (mostly) universal things that make sense even if you're watching a foreign film with no subtitles. Someone who lacks empathy lives in a world completely devoid of these signals. Accordingly, such a person is a FishOutOfWater whenever s/he's around people... which, of course, is Many% of the time. S/He can also come across as a {{Jerkass}} who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

"Empathy" is described as the ability to comprehend the signals other sentient beings (mostly humans, but animals too) use to communicate emotion. "Lack of empathy" means you can't comprehend those signals. Think about all the EmotionTropes we use to identify and/or display emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, SomethingElseAlsoRises; (mostly) universal things that make sense even if you're watching a foreign film with no subtitles. Someone who lacks empathy lives in a world completely devoid of these signals. Accordingly, such a person is a FishOutOfWater whenever s/he's around people... which, of course, is Many% of the time. S/He can also come across as a JerkAss who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding JerkAss. Also, it is important to note that lack of empathy does not ''make you'' a serial killer, or even a JerkAss, they simply make the person ''more noticeable'' in advance, if they should happen do act out in some way. It does make it more ''likely'' that the person in question will do something mean or exceedingly callous (in other words, act like a JerkAss), but this isn't automatic; it's just a consequence of failing to consider other people's feelings.

"Lack of empathy" is, well, ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: a person who lacks empathy cannot recognize emotions expressed by other entities. All the normal cues we use to identify and/or communicate emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, {{Nosebleed}}--pass right by someone who lacks empathy. As such, a person who lacks empathy is a FishOutOfWater whenever s/he's around people... which, of course, is Many% of the time. S/He can also come across as a JerkAss who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

You know how we said people ASPD and sociopathy were the same thing? [[WeLied That's kinda only true]] FromACertainPointOfView. Publicly, sociopaths, psychopaths and people with ASPD are thought of as the same thing. Officially, there is a distinction, albeit a very blurry and not entirely consistent one.

Despite the criminal justice system's treatment of premeditated murder in favor of crimes of passion, it is important to note that all people without emotions are ''not'' serial killers (they might in fact more likely be schizoid, which in fact are for the most part harmless, and are more in danger of being alone their whole lives than going on a murdering spree). The average person avoids the unshaven type [[http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/1b.html but a serial murderer is actually more likely to be handsome, charming, and seemingly normal]].
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In general, sociopaths experience the world so differently as to be effectively unperceivable by those with any grasp of empathy. They feel anger but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very egocentric and callous, and they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other peoples emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).

Those with Histrionic personality disorder can be unempathetic, stemming from being so focused on a group of people they lose sight of the individuals making up that group. Unlike TheSociopath they are more embracing of social groups but will move onto to other people, with no regard to what effect this has, if not enough stimulation is found.

Lack of empathy is one of the diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic personality disorder. People with this disorder are too busy with themselves and simply don't care about thoughts and feelings that conflict with their own. Many of them consider other people as just tools to get what they want and need, which is normally praise and attention to maintain their grandiose self-image.

People with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoid_personality_disorder Schizoid personality disorder]] can also lack empathy. People with the disorder have flattened affect and therefore is hard for them to feel for others when they don’t have much feelings to begin with. Adding to this, they also have an aversion and/or inability to express the feelings they do have so even when they do care they will still appear cold and indifferent.

People with Borderline personality disorder are also often accused of lack of empathy but most of the time they are just reckless, irresponsible, and don't like to talk about issues (relationships or otherwise).

Those with Histrionic personality disorder can be unempathetic, stemming from being so focused on a group of people they lose sight of the individuals making up that group. Unlike TheSociopath they are more embracing of social groups but will move onto to other people, with no regard to what effect this has, if not enough stimulation is found.

Those with Histrionic personality disorder can be unempathetic, stemming from being so focused on a group of people they lose sight of the individuals making up that group. Histrionics differ from the below mentioned antisocials by embracing and being naive about said groups.

[[ASPD vs Serial Killers]]

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Those with Histrionic personality disorder can be unempathetic, stemming from be so focused on a group of people they lose sight of the individuals making up that group. Histrionics differ from the below mentioned antisocials by embracing and being naive about said groups.

Despite the criminal justice system's treatment of premeditated murder in favor of crimes of passion, it is important to not that all people without emotions are ''not'' serial killers (they might in fact more likely be schizoid, which in fact are for the most part harmless, and are more in danger of being alone their whole lives than going on a murdering spree). The average person avoids the unshaven type [[http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/1b.html but a serial murderer actually more likely to be handsome, charming, and seemingly normal]].

People with Schizoid personality disorder can also lack empathy. People with the disorder have flattened affect and therefore is hard for them to feel for others when they don’t have much feelings to begin with. Adding to this, they also have an aversion and/or inability to express the feelings they do have so even when they do care they will still appear cold and indifferent.

Autistic people and those with UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome are sometimes held to lack empathy, but it's contended that that they are just bad at expressing empathy. It is also harder for autistic people to tell what someone else is feeling - a problem that easily tips over into a perception of a lack of empathy. In other words, it's not that they don't feel empathy so much as they're bad at perceiving its need and getting others to perceive it in them. This unfortunately contributes to the image of Asperger's Syndrome as being used by [[{{GIFT}} people over the Internet]] as an excuse for being a {{Jerkass}} KnowNothingKnowItAll.

People with narcissistic personality disorder can lack empathy. The idea is that narcissists are too busy with themselves to consider other people's feelings. Related to narcissism (at least according to {{Wikipedia}}) is a condition known as schizoid personality disorder. The conditions of these are not so much lack of empathy as the inability to express feelings, but the result ends up looking the same (i.e. the person appears "not to care"). The distinction between this and narcissism is that the narcissist tries to set themselves ''above'' other people, while the schizoid is ''away'' from them, an introvert withdrawing from others (EmotionlessGirl and {{Hikkikomori}} are a good example of the kind of behavior demonstrated, only they are both present).

People with borderline personality disorder are also often accused of lack of empathy but most of the time they are just reckless, irresponsible, and don't like to talk about issues (relationships or otherwise).

Of course, we have to mention [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disorder antisocial personality disorder]], more popularly known in the past as TheSociopath.

While sociopaths have a lot of overlap with narcissists, people with Aspergers, and the like, the difference is that the Sociopath won't take it personally if you humiliate him and kick him out. The only reason he'll stay in somebody's life is because that person is gullible and there's no need to reinvent the wheel. For example, while narcissists usually see themselves above other people, when in doubt they [[NotSoAboveItAll want those very "lowly others" to take care of their needs and wants]]. Sociopaths will simply take what they need or want. Narcissists are still bound by emotional, moral and conscientious weaknesses, such as love or guilt, and when cornered, are far more easy to [[BreakTheHaughty be punished]]. Sociopaths [[TheUnfettered can easily disregard such weaknesses on the go]], and simple punishment usually does not work on them.

Autistic people are sometimes held to lack empathy, but it's contended that that they are just bad at expressing empathy. It is also harder for autistic people to tell what someone else is feeling - a problem that easily tips over into a perception of a lack of empathy. In other words, it's not that they don't feel empathy so much as they're bad at perceiving its need and getting others to perceive it in them.

People with narcissistic personality disorder can lack empathy. The idea is that narcissists are too busy with themselves to consider other people's feelings. Related to narcissism (at least according to {{Wikipedia}}) is a condition known as schizoid personality disorder. The conditions of these are not so much lack of empathy as the inability to express feelings, but the result ends up looking the same (i.e. the person appears "not to care"). The distinction between this and narcissism is that the narcissist tries to set themselves ''above'' other people, while the schizoid is ''away'' from them, withdrawing from others (EmotionlessGirl and {{Hikkikomori}} are a good example of the kind of behavior demonstrated, only they are both present).

A lack of empathy is one of the many symptoms of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disorder antisocial personality disorder]], "apparent lack of remorse or empathy; inability to care about hurting others." This has been known in the past as "psychopathy" or "sociopathy," but use of these terms is now a DiscreditedTrope in mental health circles.

In general, people with antisocial personality disorder experience the world so differently as to be effectively unperceivable by those with any grasp of empathy. They feel anger but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very egocentric and callous, and they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other peoples emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).

ASPD does not necessarily mean the sufferer has high intelligence, but this assumption was probably gained from their ability to hide their disorder. It is considered almost untreatable by those in the psychiatric profession as many of them see their doctor as just another person to be manipulated.

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding JerkAss. Also, it is important to note that lack of empathy does not ''make you'' a serial killer, or even a JerkAss, they simply make the person ''more noticeable'' in advance, if they should happen do act out in some way.

People with narcissistic personality disorder can lack empathy. The idea is that narcissists are too busy with themselves to consider other people's feelings. Related to narcissism (at least according to wikipedia), is a condition known as schizoid personality disorder. The conditions of these are not so much lack of empathy as the inability to express feelings, but the result ends up looking the same (i.e. the person appears "not to care"). The distinction between this and narcissism is that the narcissist tries to set themselves ''above'' other people, while the schizoid is ''away'' from them, withdrawing from others (EmotionlessGirl and {{Hikkikomori}} are a good example of the kind of behavior demonstrated, only they are both present).

People with narcissistic personality disorder can lack empathy. The idea is that narcissists are too busy with themselves to consider other people's feelings. Related to narcissism (at least according to wikipedia), is a condition known as schizoid personality disorder. The conditions of these are not so much lack of empathy as the inability to express feelings, but the result ends up looking the same (i.e. the person appears "not to care"). The distinction between this and narcissism is that the narcissist tries to set themselves ''above'' other people, while the schizoid is ''away'' from them, withdrawing from others (EmotionlessGirl and Hikkikomori are a good example of the kind of behavior demonstrated, only they are both present).

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding JerkAss. Also, it is important to note that lack of empathy does not ''make you'' a serial killer, or even a JerkAss, they simply make the person more noticeable in advance, if they should happen do act out in some way.

People with narcissistic personality disorder can lack empathy. The idea is that narcissists are too busy with themselves to consider other people's feelings. People with borderline personality disorder are often accused of this but most of the time they are just reckless, irresponsible, and don't like to talk about issues (relationships or otherwise).

ASPD does not necesserily mean the sufferer has high intelligence, but this assumption was probably gained from their ability to hide their disorder. It is considered almost untreatable by those in the psychiatric profession as many of them see their doctor as just another person to be manipulated.

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding JerkAss.

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers. Serial killers are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding JerkAss.