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  • Against Empathy

  • The Case for Rational Compassion
  • Written by: Paul Bloom
  • Narrated by: Karen Cass
  • Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (44 ratings)

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Against Empathy

Written by: Paul Bloom
Narrated by: Karen Cass
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Publisher's Summary

A controversial call to arms, Against Empathy argues that the natural impulse to share the feelings of others can lead to immoral choices in both public policy and in our intimate relationships with friends and family.

Most people, including many policy makers, activists, scientists, and philosophers, have encouraged us to be more empathetic - to feel the pain and pleasure of others. Yale researcher and author Paul Bloom argues that this is a mistake. Far from leading us to improve the lives of others, empathy is a capricious and irrational emotion that appeals to our narrow prejudices. It muddles our judgment and often leads to cruelty. We are at our best when we are smart enough not to rely on it and draw upon a more distanced compassion.

Based on groundbreaking scientific findings, Against Empathy makes the case that some of the worst decisions that individuals and nations make - who to give money to, when to go to war, how to respond to climate change, and who to put in prison - are too often motivated by honest yet misplaced emotions. With clear and witty prose, Bloom demonstrates how empathy distorts our judgment in every aspect of our lives, from philanthropy and charity to the justice system; from culture and education to foreign policy and war. Without empathy, Bloom insists, our decisions would be clearer, fairer, and ultimately more moral.

Bound to be controversial, Against Empathy shows us that when it comes to major policy decisions and the choices we make in our everyday lives, limiting our empathetic emotions is often the most compassionate choice we can make.

©2016 Paul Bloom (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

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The definitive analysis of emotional empathy

Bloom makes a compelling case against emotional empathy as the driving force for good behaviour, in politics and in our every day lives. His case is strong, and should be taken seriously in any analysis of moral philosophy. However, his “case for rational compassion” is found to be lacking—inasmuch as Bloom seems to make the case for reason more generally, rather than a specific case for compassion, which he also fails to define. Even if you cannot connect the dots yourself, on the subtitle of this book, the rest is well worth the read.

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worth a read

the author made sone good points, although was rather short. wish it had elaborated further.

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