Rating:  Summary: A Clear And Convincing Read Review: "Withour Conscience" is probably the best read out there on psychopathy to date. Hare describes the dynamics of psychopathy while successfully avoiding contradiction or the fuzziness that many authors run into when attempting to explain this disorder in full light. One thing that is admirable about Hare's work is he understands that the problem with psychopathy cannot be measured so easily by taking a survey or a questionairre -- self-reports by individuals who are prone to lying and acting to benefit their image among other people for the most part come out inaccurate and thus are ineffective as diagnostic instruments. With the development of the Psychopathy Checklist, Hare has created a tool that can look beyond and through the persona of the individual, and in result, is a more effective diagnostic tool. I think this book should be a mandatory read for everyone involved in clinical psychology, counseling, social work, and ESPECIALLY corrections.
Rating:  Summary: Awesome Gobsmacking un-put-downable must-read!!! Review: ...and its a psychology textbook! I read it in two nights, will read it again, and get copies in for friends. A vital read for anyone on a parole board. Gives us an excellent insight to the underlying cause of the crime problems in many Western countries, and the corruption endemic in many others. A better read than most novels, Robert D Hare presents his theory in clear laymans terms, but without compromising the facts - which are both fairly simple and shocking. I have had brushes -fortunately brief - with a couple of psychopaths, and instantly recognised the type, as I'm sure most will. This book is a breath of fresh, if rather chilly, air
Rating:  Summary: Dr. Hare's Book: A Must Read Review: A fascinating look at psychopathic behavior and its consequences, felt by its victims and society, but rarely felt by the psychopath. A stark look at how flat and emotionless a psychopath inherently is and that they are rather more common than thought. The section on language differences is very interesting. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:  Summary: Wow! Now I Can Understand Why He . . . Review: All too frequently, we're confronted by people who do and say things that are beyond belief in their negative impact. And we're left wondering how these people can sleep at night...how they can live with themselves after doing or saying these things. Dr. Hare's book "Without Conscience" answers the question brilliantly. They simply lack the kind of conscience normal people have. What a scary fact! Without resorting to titillating details of psychopathic depredations, Dr. Hare writes lucidly, authoritatively and with a readability normally reserved to best-selling novels. A must-read, especially in these times when psychopathic behavior has become, in some unfortunate quarters, "cool."
Rating:  Summary: In depth and thoughtful study by Dr. Hare Review: Anyone wanting to know more about just how the mind of a psychopath works needs to read this book. Dr. Hare hits the nail on the head in his detailed descriptions of this dangerous personality. Although, he is quick to warn the reader against diagnosing the psychopath, those who have come in contact with one will surely gain some invaluable insight regarding exactly what hit them if they have become the victim of one of these sorts. I, for one, learned much and am heeding his wise advice!
Rating:  Summary: a thorough and fascinating portrait of the psychopath Review: As a person with an isatiable appetite for true crime and criminal psychology books i must give this book my highest regards. I dont think there is hardly a person alive who could not benifit from reading this book. Alot of laymen that i come across have the mistaken impression that the term "psychopath" translates into "serial killer". Although this is what might be inferred by popular media (e.g- movies like Psycho or the less known movie Psychopath) it is not the case. In this book, Hare (one of the most respected authorities on Psychopathy and aruguably the most knowledgable in the world) explains that serial murderers are the rarest expressions of psychopathic disturbance. Much more likely than encountering a serial killer he explains, is an encounter with a savvy, smooth talking con artist. One out to use charm, manipulation and agression to control and exploit his fellow man. Goals for this behavior include sex, money, material posessions or occupations. Hare explains not only why psychopaths are highly inclined to commit crimes but what makes psychopathic criminals different than thier "sane" counterparts. He also gives specific descriptions of the symtoms that define the disorder. To sum it up, this book will fascinate, shock, educate and even scare its readers. From psychology students, to liscensed practitioners, to true crime fans, to those involed in any aspect of the criminal justice system or even to those who have no previous interest in the subject this book is a must have. THESE PEOPLE LIVE AMONG US. They are out there in the millions. If we ever hope to make it out unscathed we must know our enemy. Parole boards and judges must be able to recognize the methods of deception and behavioral traits of those affected with the disorder, as indicators of psychopathy will have serious implications concerning the possibility of rehabilitation. Psychologist need to also be well aware that they too are susceptible to victimization at the hands of a psychopath. I have read many stories of well trained and expierienced clinicians dancing like a puppet for a manipulative genuis plenty adept at pushing all the right buttons. Perhaps the best use for this book however, is to educate and prepare the average citizen to distingiush the sincerely amicable soul from the exquisiteley charming individual out to destroy lives for the most trivial of gains. Enjoy this book and make yourself aware that these cold and terrifying aberrations of human beings are lurking out there, anticipating the arrival of their next victim.
Rating:  Summary: Dr. Hare does a great service to psychologists, cops, etc. Review: By constructing the psychopathic personality in front of your eyes, Dr. Hare gives us an understanding of the threat at hand in an easy to read format. Whether you are in the mental health, criminal justice, or businesss profession, you will benefit from reading the book.
Rating:  Summary: james on without conscience Review: Dr. Hare has written a very informative book, and perhaps, the most fascinating, its not for mr to go name calling, but I know sme people, wjo I am conviced are psychopaths, this really opened my eyes a lot.
Rating:  Summary: Without Conscience Review: Excellent as far as it went. Very well written. Mr. Hare provides the reader with an excellent description of the criminal psychopath (serial killers, and those with criminal records), and some insight in avoiding their predations. Unfortunatly his observations are limited to those psychopaths who are extreme (or dumb) enough to have been incarcerated. Although he indicates that there are psychopaths who operate within the laws of society, he dosn't provide examples, or any real insight I and others I know have been victomized by people "without conscience" who were entirely within the letter of the law. My primary reasons for buying and reading the book was to identify, and deal with these 'legal' psychopaths, unfortunatly Mr. Hare left that to chapter 13, and I found it short and simplistic. In defense of the author, I find that most psychology books are limited to observations and definations of incaratiated people or those who sought therapy. Unfortunatly we do not yet have a means of observing the rest of the population.
Rating:  Summary: Okay, but wordy and repetitive Review: I can appreciate that the author did not have easy access to a broad representation of sociopathic individuals in the general population, instead most of his interviews and anecdotes were from prisoners. But the material became repetitious and I found myself skimming ahead looking for different kinds of examples. Instead it was another inmate with a similar scam. Most sociopaths are not behind bars according to the author but he did not discuss the ones on the loose at any length, yet these are the ones I would encounter. I would like to know how the "respectable" ones who ply their trade in society do it, what to look for and how to avoid their games. This book is useful but limited. It's worth a skim.
|