Conversations on Empathy: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Imagination and Radical Othering

In the aftermath of a global pandemic, amidst new and ongoing wars, genocide, inequality, and ecological collapse, there is a growing call for greater empathy towards others. This interdisciplinary volume explores how empathy contributes to our understanding of others and how it can be enacted and experienced to highlight forms of otherness or overcome differences. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in thinking about local and global challenges of interconnectedness, care, and justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the wake of a global pandemic, amidst ongoing wars, genocide, inequality, and the devastating ecological collapse, there has been a growing call for greater empathy in both the public and political spheres. This interdisciplinary volume seeks to explore the profound implications of empathy in our understanding of others. It raises crucial questions about how empathy contributes, if at all, to our comprehension of different individuals and groups. Moreover, it delves into the ways in which empathy shapes our perceptions, interpretations, and the very construction of others as subjects.

Conversations on Empathy takes a multifaceted approach to examining empathy's potential. It explores how empathy can be enacted and experienced, either as a means to highlight forms of otherness or as a tool to bridge seemingly insurmountable differences. The book delves into the ways in which empathy enables us to comprehend, imagine, and create sameness and otherness in our daily intersubjective encounters, particularly with individuals who are perceived as vastly different from ourselves.

By focusing on the importance of empathy in understanding difference, the book argues that empathy holds a critical role in addressing the local and global challenges of interconnectedness, care, and justice. It emphasizes the need for empathy as a guiding principle in our interactions with others, as it fosters a deeper understanding, compassion, and empathy toward those who may be different from us.

In conclusion, Conversations on Empathy offers a thought-provoking exploration of empathy's multifaceted dimensions. It sheds light on the ways in which empathy can enhance our understanding of others, promote inclusivity, and contribute to building a more compassionate and just world. As we navigate the complex challenges of our time, it is essential to cultivate empathy and work towards creating a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 158 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032019154