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Against Empathy
Book

Against Empathy

The Case for Rational Compassion

Paul Bloom
Ecco, 2016

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Analytical
  • Innovative

Recommendation

Cognitive psychologist Paul Bloom believes “empathy” often causes more suffering than it cures. He leverages a heady, entertaining combination of philosophy, scientific research and anecdotes to argue that empathy-driven decisions frequently run counter to reason. They lead people to indulge their biases, justify violence and sacrifice the long-term good of the many for the short-term gains of the few. Bloom dismantles claims that favor empathy in several arenas, including charity, politics, medicine and parenthood. He offers a concurrent argument for “rational compassion.” getAbstract recommends his exegesis to forward-thinking humanitarians and those seeking a better understanding of the ethics of emotion, rationality and altruism. 

Take-Aways

  • “Empathy” has positive attributes but, in practice, it does a poor job of improving the world.
  • Those who favor empathy argue that feeling another person’s pain encourages compassion.
  • Empathy prompts people to help specific individuals who are hurting now. 

About the Author

Paul Bloom, PhD, is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale University. His research focuses on moral psychology, child development and social reasoning. His previous books include Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil.

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