If people feel that they must hurt or harm a person, what do the people do to keep from feeling guilty about hurting that person?

Question

Ms. Sue · Answer

Why shouldn't they feel guilty about hurting or harming another person?

Beth · Answer

The question is what do they do not to feel guilty? They should feel guilty, but some people don't. Is there a logical answer to this question? Thanks!

Ms. Sue · Answer

Ohh -- now I understand your question. People who intentionally hurt another person probably rationalize by saying, "s/he deserved it." Or maybe they rationalize that they're teaching the other person a lesson. Our society harms millions of people by imprisoning them for crimes. We say that they deserve to be punished or that we're teaching the criminals a lesson.

Beth · Answer

So to keep from feeling guilty they use a scapegoat or excuse?

Ms. Sue · Answer

I wouldn't say it was a scapegoat, although in some instances it may be. How is the person who hits another person because "he deserved it" different than society punishing a criminal because "he deserved it?"

Beth · Answer

Ah well first of all the person who goes to prison is found guilty of a crime. The hitting someone occurence could happen for any stupid reason. Your thoughts? How can I logically answer this question? If people feel that they must hurt or harm a person, what do the people do to keep from feeling guilty about hurting that person?

Ms. Sue · Answer

To repeat, many people who hurt another person don't feel guilty because they rationalize that they had the "right" to hurt the other because "he deserved it." In the abuser's eyes, he's found the other person guilty and has "taught him a lesson."

Beth · Answer

Thanks for your insight to this question!

Ms. Sue · Answer

You're very welcome. It's an intriguing question. Please check back here tomorrow as another tutor may want to add his/her two cents.

PsyDAG · Answer

Also you might have sociopaths, who have trouble empathizing with others and only care about getting their needs and desires met as quickly as possible, the consequences be damned. http://www.9types.com/wwwboard/messages/18332.html I hope t his helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

If people feel that they must hurt or harm a person, what do the people do to keep from feeling guilty about hurting that person?

Why shouldn't they feel guilty about hurting or harming another person?

The question is what do they do not to feel guilty? They should feel guilty, but some people don't. Is there a logical answer to this question? Thanks!

Ohh -- now I understand your question.

So to keep from feeling guilty they use a scapegoat or excuse?

I wouldn't say it was a scapegoat, although in some instances it may be.

Ah well first of all the person who goes to prison is found guilty of a crime. The hitting someone occurence could happen for any stupid reason. Your thoughts? How can I logically answer this question?

To repeat, many people who hurt another person don't feel guilty because they rationalize that they had the "right" to hurt the other because "he deserved it." In the abuser's eyes, he's found the other person guilty and has "taught him a lesson."

Thanks for your insight to this question!

You're very welcome. It's an intriguing question. Please check back here tomorrow as another tutor may want to add his/her two cents.

Also you might have sociopaths, who have trouble empathizing with others and only care about getting their needs and desires met as quickly as possible, the consequences be damned.