The asshole acts out of a firm sense that he is special, that the normal rules of conduct do not apply to him. He may not deliberately exploit interpersonal relations but simply remains willfully oblivious to normal expectations. Because the asshole sets himself apart from others, he feels entirely comfortable flouting accepted social conventions, almost as a way of life. More important, he lives this way more or less out in the open. He stands unmoved when people indignantly glare or complain. He is 'immunized' against anyone who speaks up, being quite confident that he has little need to respond to questions about whether the advantages he allows himself are acceptable and fair. Indeed, he will often himself feel indignant when questions about his conduct are raised. That, from his point of view, may show that he is not getting the respect he deserves.
Assholes: A Theory (2012)
Use the link below to read an October 2015 essay by North American Philosopher AARON JAMES titled The Meaning of 'Asshole' available in the online archive of The Philosopher's Magazine:
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