A Historical Definition of Empathy from the Perspective of Philosophy, Psychology & Neuroscience

This book is unique because it promotes empathy as the foundation of all therapeutic interactions and teaches how to be empathetic. The chosen methodology for this book is Phenomenology. The key method for data collection are narratives and the underlying theoretical premise for data analysis is the ethic of care. The important association between the ethic of care and empathy is explained. The concept of empathy is historically explored from a philosophical, psychological, and Social Neuroscience perspective. Terms that are closely aligned with empathy, such as benevolence and compassion, are carefully delineated. Positive Psychology is introduced as a new and crucial focus that emphasizes positive emotions. It is pointed out that whereas traditional empathy is primarily focused on the identification with troubling feelings with the goal of helping people feel better, positive empathy is a therapeutic response that emphasizes emotions like joy and contentment. Emotional intelligence or the ability to read others’ feelings is deemed necessary for empathy. The intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ) are both essential for success. In the Case in Point, subjective perceptions of empathy in practice are shared by different helping professionals. A closing simulation exercise focuses on practicing active listening, reflection and nonverbal cues, followed by mock scenarios on how to tell the difference between sympathy and empathy.