[Three approaches to culpability. 1]

During our psychiatric practice, we noted consistently the important role devoted to culpability as a symptom but also its presence in our psychic functions apart from any pathological decompensation. This double existence guided our research, we considered culpability through three different approaches: namely, in this first part, a philosophical approach and a sociological approach (the psychoanalytical approach will be examined in the second part). We will particularly insist here on the cultural dimension of culpability and on its dynamic function in social relations.