Moral reasoning, Dr. Leedom explains, involves three things: knowledge of the rules, belief that rules are important, and moral emotions that help guide behavior.
Sociopaths do know the rules, which is why the justice system holds them responsible for the crimes they commit. But if sociopaths know the rules, why do they break them? "In the minds of sociopaths, they are the kings and queens," Dr. Leedom says. "Aren't rulers entitled to do what they want? Sociopaths break rules because of their obsession with power."
Although sociopaths can recite generally accepted rules of behavior, they do not believe in these rules the way the rest of us do. Belief is an emotional connection to ideas. Sociopaths only have emotional connections to, and only value, power and sex.
Finally, sociopaths lack the moral emotions, which are guilt and shame. Dr. Leedom explains that guilt develops during childhood as an extension of the fear response. As children, sociopaths are fearless and so do not develop guilt.
Shame is the feeling associated with being on the bottom rung of the social ladder. Since sociopaths are grandiose and NEVER see themselves as at the bottom, they do not experience shame.
