Against Empathy

Paul Bloom, Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology, Yale University

Most people think the only problem with empathy is that we don't have enough of it. Drawing on research in areas such as psychopathy, criminal behavior, charitable giving, cognitive neuroscience, dehumanization, and Buddhist meditation practices, Bloom argues that this is mistaken. Empathy makes us worse. We are better off, in both public policy and intimate relationships, drawing upon a combination of reason and distanced compassion.

Co-Sponsored by: the Departments of Psychology and Philosophy

Photo credit: Greg Martin

Reception to follow