The Humanities Institute and Humility & Conviction in Public Life project will host a talk by Paul Bloom (Yale, Psychology and Cognitive Science) entitled ‘Against Empathy’, on Tuesday, November 29th, from 4-5:30pm in the UCHi Conference room (Babbdige Library 4th floor room 4/209 meeting). Please distribute to interested colleagues and students.
Abstract: Many psychologists, philosophers, and laypeople believe that empathy is necessary for moral judgment and moral action-the only problem with empathyis that we sometimes don't have enough of it. Drawing on research into psychopathy, criminal behavior, charitable giving, infant cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and Buddhist meditation practices, I'll argue that this is mistaken. Empathy is a poor moral guide. It is biased, short-sighted, and innumerate-we should try to do without it. We are much better off, in both public policy and intimate relationships, drawing upon a combination of reason and distanced compassion.
For more information, contact: pdp@uconn.edu at 4869057