The Failure to Generalize Empathy

Abstract

Why are humans selective in their empathy and why do they empathize with some and are indifferent towards others ? Can empathy be generalized to include everyone or is empathy always prone to bias and selectivity ? The presentation examines two theories that explain humans' failure to generalize their empathy. The first theory is based on the writings of Darwin and argues that "Us vs Them" distinctions make our prosocial instincts biased, the second theory is based on the writings of Paul Bloom and argues that empathy is selective and biased and is therefore bound to produce discriminatory behavior. The presentation also discusses the role of misrepresentations in misguiding our empathy.