Free will and moral responsibility in psychopathy - neuro-philosophical aspects and implications for criminal Justice System and ethics

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

Abstract
Free will is a ubiquitous and a self-evident phenomenon. Humans believe they are the sole agent in control of their actions. The debate between free will (FW) and determinism has long been central to philosophy and theology. Free will implies the ability to make choices undetermined by past events, while determinism suggests all events are caused by prior occurrences and is closely intertwined with moral responsibility. Moral responsibility (MR) concerns the extent to which a person believes that another individual is blameworthy and ought to be accountable for violating standards of socially admissible conduct. Psychopathy is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by emotional and cognitive abnormalities, including lack of empathy, guilt, shame and remorse. Neuroscience may challenge the notion of and belief in free will and human agency. Such conception of mental illness has implications for legal responsibility, forensic setting and criminal justice. Thus, this session will raise questions concerning the blameworthiness of psychopathic individuals and moral responsibility through philosophical, theological, juridical and neuroscientific lens. Questions will be raised regarding implications for rehabilitation as well as broader societal impacts of these views.

Subtopic

• Topic 1: Perspectives on Crime and Criminal Behavior / Biological, Biosocial and Psychological Perspectives

Chair

• Yula Milshteyn, Ariel University

Discussants

• Hagit Lernau, Haifa University

• Or Tal Baron, Hebrew University