#1967
Mentioned in 24 episodes
Against Empathy
The Case for Rational Compassion
Book •
In 'Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion,' Paul Bloom challenges the conventional wisdom that empathy is a moral guide.
He argues that empathy, defined as feeling what others feel, is a capricious and irrational emotion that can lead to poor decision-making and even cruelty.
Bloom contends that empathy distorts our judgment in various aspects of life, from philanthropy and justice to medical care and education.
He advocates for a more distanced compassion based on rational, deliberative reasoning and a utilitarian approach to moral decisions.
The book is grounded in scientific findings and explores the limitations and biases of empathy, suggesting that clearer, fairer, and more moral decisions can be made without relying on it.
He argues that empathy, defined as feeling what others feel, is a capricious and irrational emotion that can lead to poor decision-making and even cruelty.
Bloom contends that empathy distorts our judgment in various aspects of life, from philanthropy and justice to medical care and education.
He advocates for a more distanced compassion based on rational, deliberative reasoning and a utilitarian approach to moral decisions.
The book is grounded in scientific findings and explores the limitations and biases of empathy, suggesting that clearer, fairer, and more moral decisions can be made without relying on it.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 24 episodes
Mentioned by 
Mark Manson and 
Drew Burney in their discussion about empathy and its potential downsides.
Mark Manson and Drew Burney in their discussion about empathy and its potential downsides.
197 snips
No Regrets, The Case Against Empathy, and Is AI Coming for Us All?
Mentioned by 
Tyler Cowen as one of 
Paul Bloom 's books, exploring the science of pleasure, morality of empathy, and more.
Tyler Cowen as one of Paul Bloom 's books, exploring the science of pleasure, morality of empathy, and more.
110 snips
Paul Bloom on the Psychology of Children, and the Morality of Empathy and Disgust
Mentioned by 
Eric Kaufmann , referencing his argument that empathy is always about who you're empathetic towards.
Eric Kaufmann , referencing his argument that empathy is always about who you're empathetic towards.
67 snips
The Sacred Myths of Liberalism - Eric Kaufmann
Mentioned by the podcast host as the author of a book with a provocative title, which is discussed in the episode.
57 snips
Making Sense of Foundations of Morality | Episode 3 of The Essential Sam Harris
Mentioned by 
Sean Carroll in discussion of his book 'Against Empathy', contrasting emotional and rational decision-making.
Sean Carroll in discussion of his book 'Against Empathy', contrasting emotional and rational decision-making.
49 snips
134 | Robert Sapolsky on Why We Behave the Way We Do
Mentioned by 
Anders Indset as a book about rational compassion that argues empathy is a computable hard skill.
Anders Indset as a book about rational compassion that argues empathy is a computable hard skill.
24 snips
EP 306 Anders Indset on The Singularity Paradox
Mentioned when explaining that she heard it first from Abigail Schreier and Paul Bloom.
16 snips
Is ‘Toxic Empathy’ Pulling Christians to the Left?
Mentioned by 
Eliza McLamb when discussing how empathy is not always a guide to moral decision making and that it can even be harmful.
Eliza McLamb when discussing how empathy is not always a guide to moral decision making and that it can even be harmful.
The Economy of Outrage
Mentioned by Joe Rigney as a fascinating secular book that recognizes the dangers of weaponized toxic empathy.
JOE RIGNEY - The Dark Side of Empathy: When Victims Become Manipulators
