| Why do we love psychopaths? We will begin by studying empathy, our ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others in an effort to understand how they see the world. Empathy plays an important role in facilitating our concern for the well-being of others. Almost everyone feels empathy—everyone, that is, except for psychopaths. We will then turn to studying the psychopathic personality, and we will investigate one of the puzzles of popular culture: Why do ordinary, empathetic people love psychopaths? Why is school-shooter Eric Harris a hero to many teenagers? Why do fans of crime fiction adore the sociopathic thief Parker? Why do moviegoers flock to see the emotionless James Bond? And why on earth would Hannibal Lecter be anybody’s idea of a good time? |
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Semester Offered
Offered as needed.