Psychopathic Criminals Have "Empathy Switch"

dryriver writes "Psychopaths do not lack empathy, rather they can switch it on at will, according to new research. Placed in a brain scanner, psychopathic criminals watched videos of one person hurting another and were asked to empathise with the individual in pain. Only when asked to imagine how the pain receiver felt did the area of the brain related to pain light up. Scientists, reporting in Brain, say their research explains how psychopaths can be both callous and charming. The team proposes that with the right training, it could be possible to help psychopaths activate their 'empathy switch', which could bring them a step closer to rehabilitation. Criminals with psychopathy characteristically show a reduced ability to empathise with others, including their victims. Evidence suggests they are also more likely to reoffend upon release than criminals without the psychiatric condition."

Comments

There's only one empathy switch

[Anonymous Coward]

It turns on the electric chair.

Worth the investment and risk?

[Anonymous Coward]

So, you have someone with a high degree of risk to reoffend. I have three options:

1) Terminate. I don't believe this has a place in today's society. Most expensive option given our appeals process. Highest safety for public
2) Treat and release. High expense with dubious benefit and high probability of re-entering the prison system. High risk for public.
3) Keep in a cell for life. Not quite as high expense. Safe for public.

Which option is the best?