Psychopathy is one of the oldest and most researched personality disorders. Yet in the past decade, empirical studies have raised serious doubts about the reality of the condition. In this talk, Dr. Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen examines why our fascination with “psychopaths” may be scientifically misguided and shows how the Canadian criminal justice system has arguably misused the controversial science behind the diagnosis. 

Speaker Bio

Dr. Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Epistemology and Philosophy of Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga and an Affiliated Scientist at the National Center for Ontological Research. His work lies at the intersection of psychology, epistemology, and law, with research published in top-tier journals such as The Lancet: Psychiatry; Psychology, Public Policy, and Law; and Philosophical Psychology.

Rasmus is the author of the book, Psychopathy Unmasked: The Rise and Fall of a Dangerous Diagnosis (MIT Press), which offers a critical review of contemporary research and the judicial use of the controversial diagnosis commonly known as Psychopathic Personality Disorder or “psychopathy”. 

Rasmus earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Science from the University at Buffalo, New York. His academic and professional work reflect a commitment to improving how scientific knowledge is utilized in society, particularly how science can improve decision-making throughout the legal system.