If over_qualified_quinn struggles with that the way I initially did, perhaps my interpretation helps: what you’re saying is that despite lacking empathy, psychopaths *must* have social awareness to be able to engage in their manipulative games.

Contrast this with what we’d probably expect from them if they lacked social awareness (as well as empathy): they might act cruel towards other beings, but it’d be difficult for them to scheme elaborately because they wouldn’t be able to predict people’s reactions and behavior.