We deny sympathetic validity even when we understand an evil act’s impetus

Evidence

A parent repeatedly batters an infant child because the child cries. We see from where the impetus to batter arises, but we simply cannot grant any sympathetic validity to the act arising out of the impetus. Again, a wildly disproportionate disregard for the humanity of the harmed individual seems indicated. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3871

Categorization

• DEEPTHINKING: Subtle point: understanding the motive for a cruel act does not reduce its evilness — comprehension and moral judgment are decoupled.