Question

Explain the difference between motivational internalism and motivational externalism in relation to the problem of psychopathy.

Answer 1

Motivational internalism relates to moral internalism, that is, moral convictions are internally motivating. The conviction behind something to be executed is driven by one's motivation to execute the action. Motivational externalism relates to moral externalism, that is, moral convictions may not be internally motivating. The conviction behind something to be executed may not be driven by one's internal motivation to refrain oneself from executing the action. So, moral convictions may not be internally connected to moral motives. With respect to psychopaths, it is important to note that they possess a damaged capacity for moral judgment. More specifically, the capacity for moral judgment is neither fully present nor fully absent. It is "impaired". Internalism is not known to be empirically sound to explain a psychopaths’ impaired moral judgement. So, it can be said that the moral convictions of psychopaths may not have internal connections to moral motives. They may not be internally motivated to have moral motives or moral judgements. Conversely, motivational externalism bases moral judgements on "independent desire", rather than the motivation for correct moral judgement. Thus, a psychopath may be a motivational externalist who lacks the internal motivation to refrain himself from doing something that is wrong, irrespective of the moral conviction that the action is wrong. Such a motivational deficit promotes psychopathology.