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Against Empathy
The Case for Rational Compassion
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Check link for latest rating. ( 6,368 ratings, 850 reviews)
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Against Empathy
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
We think of empathy – the ability to feel the suffering of others for ourselves – as the ultimate source of all good behaviour.
This landmark scientific investigation by one of the world's leading psychologists reveals empathy to be our most dangerous emotion
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Description
This landmark scientific investigation by one of the world's leading psychologists reveals empathy to be our most dangerous emotion.
In a divided world, empathy is not the solution, it is the problem.
We think of empathy – the ability to feel the suffering of others for ourselves – as the ultimate source of all good behaviour. But while it inspires care and protection in personal relationships, it has the opposite effect in the wider world. As the latest research in psychology and neuroscience shows, we feel empathy most for those we find attractive and who seem similar to us, and not at all for those who are different, distant or anonymous. Empathy therefore biases us in favour of individuals we know while numbing us to the plight of thousands.
Guiding us expertly through the experiments, case studies and arguments on all sides, Paul Bloom ultimately shows that some of our worst decisions – in charity, child-raising, criminal justice, climate change and war – are motivated by this wolf in sheep's clothing.
Brilliantly argued, urgent and humane, Against Empathy overturns widely held assumptions to reveal one of the most profound yet overlooked sources of human conflict.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Against Empathy by Paul Bloom presents a provocative argument challenging the notion that empathy is essential for morality. Reviewers highlight its humane, lucid, and entertaining style, describing it as a brave and stimulating read. The book provokes thought on the superficial nature of empathy and is praised for being engaging, witty, and packed with cutting-edge insights.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099597827
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 February 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 214g
Pages: 304
About the Author
Paul Bloom is Professor of Psychology at University of Toronto and the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. His research explores the psychology of morality, identity and pleasure. Bloom is the recipient of multiple awards and honours, including most recently the million-dollar Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize. He has written for scientific journals such as Nature and Science, and for the New York Times, New Yorker, Atlantic and Guardian. He is the author or editor of eight books, including Just Babies, How Pleasure Works, Descartes' Baby and most recently Against Empathy.
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