I vaguely remember hearing about the cyborg rpg stuff back in the day, more the table top vs the mush. But I'd figure they wouldn't had been too far off each other.

I can see what you're saying though. I can see the ability to empathize with other life to be an important characteristic. While in this area of discussion, I have a hard time disagreeing. 

However, playing devil's advocate...I have a relative with rather severe Asperger's syndrome who also has at best minimal ability to empathize with at least humans, if not life in general. However, I would have a hard time saying/thinking he didn't have an aspect of humanity. Idk..it's a tough definition to nail down.