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I find it interesting how many varying definitions for empathy I'm seeing in this thread. I always thought of empathy to specifically be "feeling oriented", not
by jm__87 9y ago
I find it interesting how many varying definitions for empathy I'm seeing in this thread. I always thought of empathy to specifically be "feeling oriented", not simply taking someone else's perspective. Not saying anyone is wrong here, seems like we have yet to fully come to a consensus on what the word empathy really means.
- computator 9y ago> how many varying definitions for empathy I'm seeing The words sympathy and empathy are like the words ashamed and embarrassed. Everyone thinks they know the difference, but when they try to explain it, they find that it's very difficult to separate the words. At least for my own mind, I found a handy way of differentiating sympathy and empathy from a line in The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell: If I hit my thumb with a hammer, most people watching will grimace: they'll mimic my emotional state. This is what is meant by empathy. So, then, sympathy is when you don't grimace but say something like, "I hope you're OK."
- ismail 9y agoEmpathy has multiple dimensions, so all the different perspectives are partly right. Cognitive empathy: is seeing things through your perspective Emotional empathy: I feel what you feel Emphatic concern: I care for your well-being http://www.danielgoleman.info/three-kinds-of-empathy-cognitive-emotional-compassionate/ http://www.danielgoleman.info/three-kinds-of-empathy-cogniti... Edit: added reference
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]