Psychopathy is a Zombie Idea: Why Does it Cling On?

Psychopathy is a widely recognized construct, often assumed to rest on a solid scientific foundation. Yet over the past two decades, the cumulative evidence has failed to substantiate several (and arguably most) of the central claims traditionally associated with the construct.

In this essay, I ask a straightforward question: if the empirical record repeatedly falls short of corroborating psychopathy, why has the idea persisted within the sciences and in clinical practice?

I know, I know. Scientific research is not the only way we evaluate ideas. But it remains a powerful one, and perhaps even the best. When scientific evidence challenges our most entrenched beliefs, the responsible response is careful and critical reconsideration.

https://aeon.co/essays/psychopathy-is-a-zombie-idea-why-does-it-cling-on