Case against empathy

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

Didn't want to hijack the thread on millionaires/billionaires and what they "should" do with their money.

One comment - about whether buying a computer for one child is better/worse than contributing to cancer research to benefit many reminded me of this book I just read - The Case Against Empathy by Paul Bloom.

He posits that empathy can work against the common good because empathetic people tend to think what is in front of them is most important. For example he cites studies where empathetic people are asked to evaluate a child for Make a Wish. Typically, once hearing THAT child's story, they will vote to move the child to the top of the list - without knowing anything about the other kids in line - even if that child's request wll cost significantly more than average.

He talks about the difference between empathy (feeling the pain of others to the point of being compelled to allieviate it) and compassion (a less emotional more distanced view of what is really the best solution in the situation.)

I found it fascinating.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

In general: It would be an interesting read.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

Quse · ‎09-05-2014

What "millionaires/billionaires and what they "should" do with their money."

What they do with their money is their business, not mine. Personally, I don't care what they do, as long as it doesn't infringe on my liberty.
I think everyone, whether you're a millionaire or billionaire.... or not, should be involved with something that moves them to contribute either monetarily, time wise or both....but I'm not for forcing people in any way shape or form.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@Isobel ArcherSounds right I certainly know my contempt button works that way - when what I feel contempt for is in front of me, my contempt almost always grows.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

Everyone who works and pays taxes gives too. Don't forget that component of giving. As more and more programs are put in place, more of us give more. Back in the day, a greater percentage of giving was voluntary on a personal basis. Today, it is more of a group effort and administered not so much on a local basis.

I am not saying this to come down one way or another, but just pointing out that all of us contribute more now through payroll deductions than we used to. . . so it is hard to calculate how much we "give" in a way. I have no way of knowing how much of my non-discretionary salary contributions go to what. That sort of frustrates me.

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

I used to be much more empathetic in my younger days and I'm not sure that was good for either me or the people I thought I was helping.

I liked one of his examples talking about a cancer patient who didn't want doctors and nurses to "feel his pain," he just wanted competent care. He wanted them to listen to him yes, but not to empathize, but rather to help him deal better with his symptoms and reactions to treatment.

Quse · ‎09-05-2014

@Isobel Archer wrote:
I used to be much more empathetic in my younger days and I'm not sure that was good for either me or the people I thought I was helping.

I liked one of his examples talking about a cancer patient who didn't want doctors and nurses to "feel his pain," he just wanted competent care. He wanted them to listen to him yes, but not to empathize, but rather to help him deal better with his symptoms and reactions to treatment.

@Isobel ArcherI watched this 1st hand when my brother came home to die of his cancer. His vision was that all of his friends and family would come to the house, have good times and say goodbye. The reality was that some people just can't deal with that sort of thing. Some friends wept and wailed, some never came...and my parents constantly hovered over him driving him nuts. He got tired of trying to manage other people's emotions and said to me one day, "living is hard enough, but dying is a pain in the a**!"

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

In general what others do with their money is none of my affair. However, when what they do is, to me, unconsionable then I make it my affair. For example: trophy hunting, supporting animal testing for anything including medical research, destroying the environment...