Against Empathy
By Paul Bloom
The Case for Rational Compassion. Harper Collins, 2016.
Summary of Against Empathy book by Paul Bloom
An unapologetically sharp rebuke against the emotional response of empathy, usually biased and based on personal beliefs, followed by an argument for more moral and logical behavior in the face of startling world events.
Chapters in Against Empathy book summary
What do you get from this book? Learn how rationality can be a better option than empathy
It’s often natural to feel empathy for others, but this emotional response can override logical thinking and action
Basing your moral guide on empathy alone is damaging and detrimental and limits our capacity to do good
Neuroscience helps us understand that empathy can cause mirror reactions, but is modified by judgements and expectations
Feeling empathy can blind you to making the best moral choices
Being compassionate, rational, and even spiritual can lead to better outcomes than being empathetic
Empathy may not always come from a selfish place, but compassionate reasoning is a better motivator, especially in politics
Humans are innately reasonable and, as such, should pursue rationality above all else
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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Against Empathy — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read Against Empathy book
- Psychology majors
- fans of true crime
- philanthropists
- non-profit charity managers
- anyone wanting to explore empathy and rationality more
About the author of Against Empathy
Paul Bloom
Paul Bloom is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology at Yale University. He is an award-winning writer of multiple books including How Pleasure Works and Just Babies. His work has been published in the New York Times, the Guardian, and Slate, among others.
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