Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us (1993) was written by Canadian psychologist Robert Hare. The book is an examination of psychopathy, exploring how individuals with this disorder can affect society. Drawing on decades of research, Hare, a leading expert on psychopathy, offers insights into the minds of psychopaths, illustrating their lack of empathy and manipulative behaviors through various case studies. Without Conscience serves as a guide to identifying psychopathic traits and understanding their impact on both personal relationships and societal structures.

This guide refers to the 1999 Guildford Press eBook edition.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss abuse, rape, and sexual violence. Readers should also be advised that “psychopathy” is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis and that criticisms of the concept exist. The term “psychopath” is used throughout the text to refer to individuals who, under the author’s clinical definition, are poorly regulated, antisocial, and do not experience guilt or empathy, among other traits.

Summary

Richard Hare is a Canadian psychologist who spent 25 years researching psychopathy. The primary aim of Without Conscience is to raise awareness of the disorder’s traits. By highlighting the dangers psychopaths can pose, the author hopes to mitigate the damage they may cause to individuals and society.