It depends on who you ask. Until recently empathy was generally considered a positive thing. But a growing number of mostly conservative voices believe empathy can be extremely dangerous — even toxic. Their argument is that empathy can drive irrational thinking and behaviour in public life. The result is a growing battle over empathy in a world that has never seemed to need it more.
If you like this podcast, you may want to listen to this: Why practicing empathy is far from simple.
Guests in this podcast:
Matt Richins – neuroscientist and psychologist, who did research on empathy at Exeter University, UK.
Susan Lanzoni – author, historian of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience and professor at Harvard’s School of Continuing Education
Mary Gordon – founder of Roots of Empathy program, Toronto
Michael Slote – author, philosopher and professor of ethics at the University of Miami
Margaret Davidson – Roots of Empathy classroom facilitator, Chiganois Elementary
Kourtney Simms – Chiganois Elementary teacher
Ellie – Grade 1 student, Chiganois Elementary
