Does Empathy Produce Poor Moral Decisions? I Think Not!

In the May 20th issue of the New Yorker, Paul Bloom argues that empathy can lead to irrational decisions that are "parochial" and "narrow-minded". He concludes that, "a reasoned, even counter-empathetic analysis of moral obligation and likely consequences is a better guide to planning for the future than the gut wrench of empathy."

However, I agree with the point of view expressed by Michael Zakaras in his blog post, The Case Against the Case Against Empathy, which appeared on the Huff Post World on May 16th. Zakaras reminds us that empathy is more than just a gut reaction; empathy involves cognitive processes similar to imagining and perspective taking.  As Zakaras notes, empathy "requires careful thought, self-awareness, and real listening."

Zakaras continues, "But to truly empathize is not easy. In this sense Bloom is right: we're more likely to do so with those who look and think like we do. So rather than dismiss empathy, why not commit ourselves to practicing it more deliberately and more often, and expanding our spheres of empathy to those who are not just different but who challenge some of our very own moral foundations?"

I agree strongly with Zakaras. We need to practice and deepen our capacity for empathy. And, we must also use the understanding gained from empathy to choose and act wisely. As my colleague Vaughn Keller taught me, compassion is empathy in action.

The Value of Teaching Empathy

See this thought provoking article from Forbes, Teaching Empathy: The Ancient Way is Now Cutting Edge,  on the importance of teaching empathy and emotional intelligence skills.Though the focus in on teaching children, the points made in this article apply to any educational setting.

Obama Makes Empathic Appeal for Empathy in Israel

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See the blog from CNN for an excellent article on President Obama's empathic appeal for empathy for Palestinians.
CNN empathy-president-gives-an-empathy-speech

Lady Gaga Launches Foundation to Promote Tolerance, Acceptance and Empathy Among Youth

When you listen to Lady Gaga's pulsing music, see her striking photos, or watch her theatrical performances on video or TV, my guess is that empowerment and empathy are not the first things that come to mind. However, after learning about the launch of Lady Gaga's new Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) http://bornthiswayfoundation.org/, I am going to have a hard time not thinking about Lady Gaga's empathy whenever I hear Born This Way, the Foundation's anthem.

At a news conference held at Harvard University, Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, indicated that they started the Born This Way Foundation to promote youth empowerment and speak out against bullying. As noted on the BTWF website, the Foundation's mission is "to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated." To achieve its mission, the Foundation is "dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a braver, kinder world."

In an interview that appeared in Nicholas Kristof's New York Times column http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/01/opinion/kristof-born-to-not-get-bullied.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=general, Lady Gaga describes being taunted, bullied and traumatized by fellow students during her high school years.  And, in an interview on the pop culture site, PopCrush http://popcrush.com/lady-gaga-launches-born-this-way-foundation/, Lady Gaga states that she has learned to respond to taunts with empathy...“I always have a moment of empathy.... I think they must be going through something today that is coming from a place of mental turmoil or a psychological challenge".

It would be wonderful if Lady Gaga can help stem the increase in youth bullying by promoting empowerment, empathy, tolerance and acceptance.