Empathy

<p>Empathy is one of the most talked about and widely studied concepts of recent years. Some argue it can help create a more just society improve medical care and even avert global catastrophe. Others object that it is morally problematic. Who is right? And what is empathy anyway? Is it a way of feeling <i>with</i> others or is it simply feeling sorry for them? Is it a form of knowledge? What is its evolutionary origin?</p><p>In this thorough and clearly-written introduction to the philosophy of empathy Heidi Maibom explores these questions and more examining the following topics:</p><ul> <p> </p> <li>The nature of empathy and key themes in the literature </li> <li>Empathy as a way of understanding others particularly 'simulation theory’ and 'perspective-taking' </li> <li>Empathy emotional contagion and sympathy </li> <li>Empathy’s role in moral understanding or motivation </li> <li>Empathy and art appreciation with examples from film music and fiction</li> <li>Empathy and mental disorder such as psychopathy and autism.</li> </ul><p>Including chapter summaries annotated further reading and a glossary <i>Empathy</i> is an excellent resource for students of philosophy of mind and psychology psychology and cognitive science as well as for those in related subjects such as art literature and politics.</p>