As a literary and cultural studies expert, I've delved into the intricate character of Sherlock Holmes, a figure created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is a master detective known for his incredible powers of observation and deduction. He is often portrayed as a complex individual with a unique personality that sets him apart from the average person. The term that has been used to describe him in various adaptations, including the BBC series "Sherlock," is "sociopath," but this is a misnomer when it comes to the original literary character.

In the original stories, there is no indication that Holmes has a sociopathic personality disorder. He is depicted as a man of high intellect with a keen interest in solving crimes and a disregard for social norms that he finds unimportant or irrelevant to his work. His eccentricities and sometimes abrasive behavior are part of what make him an intriguing character, but they do not align with the clinical definition of sociopathy.

The term "sociopath" is often used to describe individuals with a personality disorder characterized by a disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others. They may exhibit a pattern of deceitful behavior, manipulation, and a lack of empathy or remorse. However, Holmes, while he may be detached and aloof, does not exhibit these traits to the extent that would warrant such a label. He is capable of forming deep relationships, as evidenced by his friendship with Dr. John Watson, and he does show concern for the victims of the crimes he investigates.

The portrayal of Holmes as a "high-functioning sociopath" in the BBC series "Sherlock" is a creative interpretation that adds a modern twist to the character. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Holmes in the series, uses the term in response to a taunt, but it is important to note that this is not an accurate representation of the character as written by Doyle. The show takes liberties with the source material to create a more dramatic and engaging narrative for contemporary audiences.

In conclusion, while the term "sociopath" has been used in some adaptations to describe Sherlock Holmes, it is not a term that accurately reflects the character as originally conceived by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is a brilliant detective with a unique set of skills and personality traits, but he is not a sociopath in the clinical sense of the term.

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Sherlock Holmes is not a sociopath. He is not even a "high-functioning sociopath," as the otherwise truly excellent BBC Sherlock has styled him (I take the words straight from Benedict Cumberbatch's mouth). ... When Cumberbatch calls himself a sociopath, he is responding to a taunt from a police officer: Psychopath!Aug 11, 2012read more >>