I am doing some research into the human desire to watch the suffering of others. There was another question similar to this which focussed specifically on Greek tragedy. Has anyone done any research in this area? There is plenty of empirical evidence but that is subject to too much rationalisation to the point where the 'instinct' is somewhat obscured. Can anyone conceive of an experiment which could provide some sort of scientific 'evidence' for this?

-- Michelle Nyangereka (fazeley@yahoo.com), November 16, 2001

Answers

Hi Michelle, from a theory of science point of view, experiments designed to offer evidence are usually employeed to bolster arguements where the outcome is in doubt. So, the t-test, comparison type study, is used to make a distinction, or decission which you might use to argue for the existance of some cause/phenomena of intrest to you. Now what kind of evidence is required by different minded researchers is, well that's complicated, but the point is one usually does experiments when one is in doubt of the situation. What leads you to believe sadism doesn't exist? Try looking into court-cases and clinical psych history. I think first you have to make the arguement there is enough doubt about this issue to bother with "empirical experiments," this exercise is going to be an exercise in rationalization on your part. It would also seem to me on this topic, in the end game, you too will be doing plenty of "rationalizing" to convince someone your "empirical work" demonstrates. It's what is done in categorizing. Also, some proofs are indirect. Overlooking any ethical issues for the sake of discussion, you might first have to look into the causes of sadistic behavior. Then if you failed to observe this phenomena under any circumstances, with the conviction of your cohorts in social research, then you might begin thinking it doesn't exist. But, I wouldn't sell rationalizing or conventional wisdom too short. Best, David

-- david clark (doclark@yorku.ca), November 20, 2001.