Nihilism is a belief system that holds that life is without meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. It is the rejection of all religious and metaphysical beliefs. Psychopaths are often thought to be nihilistic, as they lack empathy or love for anyone. They are seen as destructive and without purpose. This article will explore the concept of nihilism and whether or not psychopaths are truly nihilistic.

What is a Psychopath?

The term “psychopath” is used to describe someone who is “callous, emotionless, and morally depraved.” While the term is not an official mental health diagnosis, it is commonly used in clinical and legal settings”.

Psychopathy is defined as a “mental (antisocial) disorder in which an individual exhibits amoral and antisocial behavior, demonstrates a lack of ability to love or form meaningful personal relationships, expresses extreme egocentricity, and demonstrates a failure to learn from experience and other behaviors associated with the condition”. It is also a set of “personality traits and behaviors that are often associated with a lack of emotional sensitivity and empathy, impulsivity, superficial charm, and insensitivity to punitive consequences.”

Psychopathy, sometimes synonymous with sociopathy, is characterized by “persistent antisocial behavior, limited empathy and remorse, and brash, disinhibited, and selfish traits”. A psychopath is a person with psychopathic behavior who exhibits emotional instability and has problems controlling their actions.

Are all Psychopaths Nihilistic?

Typically, psychopaths have no control over their actions or behavior, owing to their unstable mental condition. They are described as heartless people because they do not feel the need to love, have a relationship with someone, or show gratitude to others. For this reason, psychopaths are seen as extremists bent on destruction. Because of their destructive nature, they can be called nihilists. Davis Alexander argues that psychopaths are nihilists and do not care who lives or dies. However, not every psychopath is nihilistic, as some psychopaths can be antisocial and fear death. Mental problems do not make a person an enemy of society or a destroyer, so not all psychopaths are nihilists.

What is a Nihilistic Psychopath?

A nihilistic psychopath is a person whose mind is not stable and lacks empathy towards everything. These people also lack critical thinking skills, and their logic function is usually off. They become nihilistic not because they have voluntarily committed themselves to nihilism, for they are incapable of appreciating philosophical currents, but because of their defective minds. The nihilistic aspect of psychopaths makes them very selfish and so deluded that they even pursue self-destructive goals. They can leave a trail of destruction if left unchecked, and that is why most of them are locked up in medical institutions to protect them during treatment.

What is Moral Nihilism?

Moral nihilism is the “meta-ethical view that nothing is morally right or wrong”. Behind it is the nihilistic belief that nothing is inherently wrong or good but that they are social constructions that should not be binding on anyone. Nihilism rejects the idea of social values, norms, or beliefs that aim to control people and thus tends to reject all values upheld in society, arguing that life is meaningless and has no purpose. Moral nihilism states that morality, as something inherent in objective reality, does not exist . It brushes aside any argument of absolute moral or ethical values. The spectrum of good and evil is described as nebulous and is said to be only an anchor for the freedom of people to do what they want.

What is Positive Nihilism?

Positive nihilism is a form of nihilism that accepts that life is without meaning and purpose but sees this fact as something good that frees people to enjoy their lives to the fullest. After learning that life is a void, people are free to search for their meaning or purpose in life. This means that people must not allow themselves to be crushed by the emptiness of life but must define their path in life and achieve their desired goals. Positive nihilism offers the possibility for an adventurous life.