The TED Interview
How empathy gets in the way of a better world with Paul Bloom
Apr 4, 2024
Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, challenges the idea that empathy is crucial for a better world. He discusses how empathy can lead to inequality, the evolution of human psyche, and the concept of 'rational compassion.' The podcast explores the relationship between empathy, generosity, and morality, highlighting the importance of reason over pure emotion.
37:45
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Quick takeaways
- Empathy can lead to inequality by muddling judgment and prejudices.
- Rational compassion should guide acts of kindness using reason over blind empathy.
Deep dives
Understanding Human Psychology and Evolution
Human minds are shaped by evolution, leading to behaviors like kindness and generosity. Paul Bloom, a psychologist, delves into the importance of considering our evolutionary history in understanding human behavior. Evolutionary factors, such as kin selection and reciprocal altruism, influence our actions. Bloom highlights the mismatch between our evolved instincts and the modern world, leading to challenges like obesity due to abundant food availability.
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