"It's a version of masochism in the same way as young children are testing their boundaries by playing games that involve pain," says Paul. "I didn't actually even understand him more other than in this very narrow way as somebody who who is suffering physically", he adds about Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. “We have some appetite for empathizing with great suffering, so much of fiction,. There's some weird pleasure you get from it."
Paul Bloom takes some time away from his "Waking Up" appearances to join us for a very special movie episode: our top three films about empathy. Can movies help us understand the experiences of people who live completely different lives? Do serial killers need empathy to effectively torture their victims? Does empathy make you want to blow up the world, or lead naked men into black liquid-y voids? Plus Paul and David try to bully Tamler into watching "Westworld." Also, buy Paul's new book (link below) "Against Empathy"! [Note: this episode is heavy on the spoilers. If you're worried, check the links below--they contain the titles for each movie in the order discussed on the podcast].
Special Guest: Paul Bloom.
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