Define "moral code"
Also, as a refresher
by ParanoidilutionI think it is important to stress that to me "bad" equates to "incorrect" or "non - functioning". I tend to be very relativistic when it comes to right and wrong because what is right to me is simply what achieves the desired outcome, and what is wrong is what fails to accomplish the original goal.
According to the dictionary, a moral code is a system of ideas of right and wrong conduct. If you judge your own actions as right or wrong, according to societies mores and your own belief in right or wrong, then you essentially have a moral conscience.
You claimed that to you "wrong" or "bad" means incorrect or dysfunctional. That also fits into morality, because societies mores often define what is considered correct behavior/functional or incorrect behavior/dysfunctional.
If you didn't give a shit whether or not your actions are functional or dysfunctional, then I could say you don't have a moral conscience, but since you do give a shit, then you clearly do have one.
So if I understand you correctly, sociopaths do not prefer to do things that are effective, but rather are impulsive, do not calculate, and are unaffected by failure to accomplish their original goal?
I.e. Not sociopathic;
I kill someone to get rid of them and am caught and incarcerated = wrong
I kill someone to get rid of them and don't get caught and as a result my life is much simpler and pleasant = right
(this is hyperbole for sure, but accurately captures the spirit of what I'm trying to express)
Using myself as an example: I don't judge my own actions as right or wrong, but I'm aware of what others define as socially acceptable and act accordingly, purely for the purpose of blending in. I'm also aware there are laws, which means there could be consequences to my actions. That doesn't stop me from breaking the law occasionally.
As long I don't get caught, nothing I do is either wrong or right. It just is what it is - an action.
I think we may be talking about the same thing in a different way. You do something with a desired functional outcome, and if it comes to fruition then it was the proper or appropriate action, right?
I know the words "wrong and right" are charged when it comes to discussion of morality, and I think maybe I'm not using the proper vernacular. When I talk about wrong and right I'm referring to the kind of wrong and right that exists on a multiple choice test. "a" is wrong, and you lose a point "c" is right and you gain a point and get closer to passing the test. The subject matter is inconsequential, the A+ is what matters in the end.
I've never tried to explain this fully to anyone before because before I can really get into it the immediate question I get is usually about rape or child abuse and what the hell am I supposed to say to that :X lol
If whatever you do is purely for self-serving purposes in order to blend in and succeed, and if you're willing to use whatever means necessary (without it tying back to you) in order to win, then it is quite likely you are a sociopath.
I'm still not sure about the introspection part though. Whether sociopaths can be introspective and still be sociopathic, I don't know.
A lot of people have told me I'm not very insightful or self-aware. I can read others easily enough (via cognitive empathy), but I seem to lack the ability to introspect or I'm just not very introspective. Where as you seem to be very introspective. You claimed to be socially awkward and believed there was something "wrong" with you, which to me, doesn't seem very sociopathic.
In my mind, I'm the normal one and everybody else is fucked up.
by ParanoidilutionI've never tried to explain this fully to anyone before because before I can really get into it the immediate question I get is usually about rape or child abuse and what the hell am I supposed to say to that :X lol
You make a point to discern between the following:
a.) agreed upon social contract of acceptable conduct to moderate the behavior of a collective group
b.) objective sense of universal "right" and "wrong"
c.) personal code of standards and conduct
I like you :) you make sense
Just substitute all the times I used the word "wrong" with" didn't/doesn't work. I gained my ability to analyze my thoughts and behaviors (I.e. Introspection) and the thoughts and behaviors of others to accurately predict future thoughts and behaviors after my stint at the treatment center.
The people there didn't seem to care about intentions, but rather interpreted behaviors in a self - serving manner that allowed them to punish who they didn't like and reward those who they did like. When I caught onto this pattern I began to be able to apply it to what I knew about the people and was able to develop formulas that allowed me to interpret their inherent nature based upon the minute details of our interactions. I learned about their insecurities, fears, hopes and beliefs. Once I knew those things I knew what I had to do to get expected reactions, or at least what reactions to expect in response to my own actions. I never did figure out how to get them to like me though. Luckily, my formulas tend to apply to many people I meet. The formulas that apply to me tend to be different because I don't always react naturally to things the way most do, although I can fake it well enough if I have to.
This is why I enjoy living alone so much, because worrying about proper reactions, behaviors, and saying the right things is friggen hard. Whenever I'm around people I can't help but obsess about it though. It's the only way I can get through daily interactions with people.
I realize a majority of the people on here probably don't care; it's my problem, not yours. Trust me, I can deal with it and I have for many years, although it took some practice. If what I've read online is correct, the feeling of isolation I experience is typical of sociopaths and I guess what I hope to find on here is at least a community of like minded people to have logical conversation with. I'm not looking for sympathy, the concept of it is pointless. I just want to think other people think this way. It would be nice to speak with someone who the formulas that apply to me also apply to them.
I don't know if I'm even making sense. Frickafrack.
by ParanoidilutionThis is why I enjoy living alone so much, because worrying about proper reactions, behaviors, and saying the right things is friggen hard. Whenever I'm around people I can't help but obsess about it though. It's the only way I can get through daily interactions with people.
If you have aspergers or autism I can see why this is such an issue for you. You'll find that most people don't stress over those things the way you seem to be. For most people, including those of us who fake emotion at times, social interactions come naturally.
I've never felt a need to stress over a social situation yet. My biggest problem is poor behavioral controls and occasional impulse control issues. Sometimes my anger and aggression gets the better of me.