Published Feb 27, 2017

Paul Bloom on Empathy

Yale psychologist Paul Bloom critiques the traditional view of empathy as a moral compass, arguing for a reasoned approach in parenting, charity, and policy-making. He suggests that empathy often distorts judgment and advocates for rational compassion to guide moral decisions effectively.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Paul Bloom on Empathy

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Challenging Empathy

Parenting Perspectives

Understanding Parental Empathy

Rethinking Empathy

Challenging Political Discourse

The Power of Intelligence

Human Response to Suffering

Challenging Empathy

Unintended Consequences

The Danger of Anger

The Addictive Power

Effective Altruism and Charity

The Limits of Empathy

Anger and Empathy

Episode Highlights

Rethinking Parenting

Effective Altruism and Moral Rationality

Challenging Empathy

Related Episodes

Paul Bloom on Cruelty

Paul Bloom on Happiness, Suffering, and the Sweet Spot

Paul Bloom on Psych, Psychology, and the Human Mind

Can Artificial Intelligence Be Moral? (with Paul Bloom)

Seeking Immortality (with Paul Bloom)

Paul Tough on How Children Succeed

Sam Harris on Meditation, Mindfulness, and Morality

Sherry Turkle on Family, Artificial Intelligence, and the Empathy Diaries

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 2--A Discussion of Part I

Arthur Brooks on Love Your Enemies

Paul Romer on Growth

Alan Wolfe on Liberalism

Richard Jones on Transhumanism

Paul Sabin on Ehrlich, Simon and the Bet

Dan Klein on The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Episode 3--A Discussion of Part II

Paul Bloom on Empathy

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Rethinking ParentingPaul Bloom examines the limitations of empathy and anger in parenting, arguing that both emotions can mislead decisions if not balanced with reason. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure to support children's long-term well-being.

Rethinking Parenting

Effective Altruism and Moral Rationality

Challenging EmpathyPaul Bloom, a psychologist from Yale University, challenges the conventional wisdom that empathy is a moral virtue. He argues that empathy can lead to biased decision-making and advocates for rational compassion as a more effective guide for moral actions.

Challenging Empathy

Related Episodes