

#836
Mentioned in 25 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 25 episodes
Mentioned by 

when discussing the limitations of empathy as a guide for ethical behavior.


Sam Harris

635 snips
#365 – Sam Harris: Trump, Pandemic, Twitter, Elon, Bret, IDW, Kanye, AI & UFOs
Mentioned by 

and 

Burney in their discussion about empathy and its potential downsides.


Mark Manson


Drew

197 snips
No Regrets, The Case Against Empathy, and Is AI Coming for Us All?
Mentioned by 

as one of 

's books, exploring the science of pleasure, morality of empathy, and more.


Tyler Cowen


Paul Bloom

110 snips
Paul Bloom on the Psychology of Children, and the Morality of Empathy and Disgust
Mentioned by 

, referencing his argument that empathy is always about who you're empathetic towards.


Eric Kaufmann

67 snips
The Sacred Myths of Liberalism - Eric Kaufmann
Mentioned by 

, highlighting its argument about the limitations of empathy.


Rutger Bregman

66 snips
MORAL AMBITION: Are You Wasting Your Talent?
Mentioned by 

, referencing his book "Against Empathy."


Mike Maughan

61 snips
200. What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, quoting Bloom's view that empathy is often associated with war.

Joe Rigney

60 snips
The Sin of Empathy — A Conversation with Joe Rigney
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 

in discussion of his book 'Against Empathy', contrasting emotional and rational decision-making.


Sean Carroll

49 snips
134 | Robert Sapolsky on Why We Behave the Way We Do
Mentioned by 

as a book about rational compassion that argues empathy is a computable hard skill.


Anders Indset

24 snips
EP 306 Anders Indset on The Singularity Paradox
Mentioned by 

as the author of a book who's study found that the more empathy is emphasized in schools, the meaner kids are to the out group.


Allie Beth Stuckey

23 snips
Ep 1222 | Zachary Levi on Leaving LA, Childhood Trauma & Church Problems
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

while discussing highly effective people and their traits.

Corey Washington

17 snips
Kaja Perina on the Dark Triad: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy – #36
Mentioned by 

as 

's previous book.


Kim Mills


Paul Bloom

15 snips
Encore -- Why we choose to suffer, with Paul Bloom, PhD
Mentioned by 

while discussing empathy and moral progress.


Rutger Bregman

15 snips
RUTGER BREGMAN: the pursuit of moral ambition
Mentioned by 

as a previous book exploring the negative aspects of empathy.


Sam Harris

12 snips
#266 — The Limits of Pleasure
Mentioned by 

in a discussion about rationality and empathy in disagreements.


Chris Williamson

11 snips
#122 - Buster Benson - How To Argue With Someone
Mentioned by 

, referencing Paul Bloom's argument against empathy as a base emotion.


Mathew Hussey

11 snips
(Rewind): How to Cut Out a Toxic Person
Mentioned by 

in relation to his views on empathy and rationality in morality.


Sean Carroll

44 | Antonio Damasio on Feelings, Thoughts, and the Evolution of Humanity
Mentioned by 

when discussing how empathy is not always a guide to moral decision making and that it can even be harmful.


Eliza McLamb

The Economy of Outrage
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to a discussion about the complexities of empathy.

Erik Torenberg

E91: Why We Do Philosophy w/ Agnes Callard