Description
Book SynopsisPopular interest in empathy has surged in the past two decades. Research on its origins, uses and development is on the rise, and empathy is increasingly referenced across a wide range of sectors – from business to education. While there is widespread consensus about the value of empathy, however, its supposed stable nature and offerings remain insufficiently examined. By critically exploring different perspectives and aspects of empathy in distinct contexts, Exploring Empathy aims to generate deeper reflection about what is at stake in discussions and practices of empathy in the 21st century. Ten contributors representing seven disciplines and five world regions contribute to this dialogical volume about empathy, its offerings, limitations and potentialities for society. By deepening our understanding of empathy in all its complexity, this volume broadens the debate about both the role of empathy in society, and effective ways to invoke it for the benefit of all.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Exploring Empathy Rebeccah J. Nelems and LJ (Nic) Theo Part I: Exploring Empathy’s ‘Goods’ and Limits Empathy as Orientation Rather than Feeling: Why Empathy Is Ethically Complex Steve Larocco What Is This Thing Called Empathy? Rebeccah J. Nelems Part II: Exploring the Affective and Cognitive Workings of Empathy Empathy, Complex Thinking and Their Interconnections Camilla Pagani Reflecting on Empathy Gavin J. Fairbairn Empathy with the Enemy: Can the Intellectually Gifted Experience Empathy with the Intellectually Impaired? Veronica Wain Cognitive Milestones on Mutual Paths towards Empathy: A Four-Step Model Nurit Sahar Part III: Exploring Empathy in the Media, Arts and Culture Empathic New(s) Orientations in Narratives about Sexuality LJ (Nic) Theo Art or Science? Formulating Empathy in Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad Abby Bentham ‘Gays Are the New Jews’: Homophobic Representations in African Media versus Twitterverse Empathy Charles King Seeing the Loop: Examining Empathy through Art Practice Fiona Larkin
