The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part Three)

7 snips
Apr 14, 2025
Dive into the complexities of sympathy through Max Scheler's lens, where fellow feeling transcends mere identification. Explore how true empathy allows for presence with others' emotions without being overwhelmed. The tension between individualism and moral engagement is dissected, alongside philosophical musings on pity's role in resilience. Engaging with emotions like joy and envy, the discussion reveals the rich tapestry of human experience, challenging simplistic views of sympathy.
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INSIGHT

Fellow-Feeling vs. Identification

  • Fellow-feeling is distinct from identification, even in cases of "there but for the grace of God go I".
  • Scheler argues that true fellow-feeling avoids comparison and focuses on the other's experience.
INSIGHT

Comparison and Egoism

  • Comparing oneself to another reduces fellow-feeling to egoism by centering one's own potential suffering.
  • Scheler rejects comparison in fellow-feeling, suggesting it leads to avoidance rather than connection.
ANECDOTE

Teaching Empathy to Children

  • The hosts discuss using comparison ("How would you like it if I hit you?") to teach children empathy.
  • This method, while effective, manipulates rather than cultivates innate fellow-feeling.
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