Against Empathy

In "Against Empathy," Yale researcher Paul Bloom presents a provocative argument that the instinct to empathize with others can lead to poor decision-making both personally and politically. He asserts that empathy, often promoted as a virtue, is a capricious emotion that distorts judgment and fosters irrational choices—ranging from charitable donations to foreign policy. Drawing on scientific findings, Bloom advocates for "distanced compassion" as a more rational approach to making ethical decisions, suggesting that limiting our empathetic responses can ultimately lead to clearer and more moral outcomes.