> whether it's more like a continuous spectrum rather than a binary on/off switch. This seems like a reasonable starting assumption when talking about a person

> whether it's more like a continuous spectrum rather than a binary on/off switch. This seems like a reasonable starting assumption when talking about a personality trait, doesn't it? Especially one that is sometimes but not always advantageous to the possessor. I've met people that seemed to me to be moderate sociopaths, and a great many people--maybe all people--seem to be able to turn off their empathy in particular circumstances.