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Why Empathy is not the Best Basis for Humanitarianism
[working paper]
Corporate Editor
Käte Hamburger Kolleg / Centre for Global Cooperation Research (KHK/GCR21)
Abstract The paper challenges the assumption that empathy is the key source of humanitarianism. It begins by asking what underlies the perception of empathy as one of the chief motors of humanitarian aid. This leads to an examination of the 'scene of empathy' - which in turn sheds light on some of the more p... view more
The paper challenges the assumption that empathy is the key source of humanitarianism. It begins by asking what underlies the perception of empathy as one of the chief motors of humanitarian aid. This leads to an examination of the 'scene of empathy' - which in turn sheds light on some of the more problematic aspects of empathy. Three of these problematic aspects and their importance for humanitarian aid are discussed, namely (temporary) self-loss, a tendency to radicalize conflicts and the danger of sadism. In conclusion, the author asks in how far humanitarianism can be decoupled from empathy and proposes an alternative approach. This alternative approach revolves around the development of a common we-identity which does not depend on empathy.... view less
Keywords
empathy; humanitarianism; humanitarian aid; identity
Classification
Social Psychology
Free Keywords
humanitarianism; narrative; self-loss; conflict; sadism; we-identity
Document language
English
Publication Year
2015
City
Duisburg
Page/Pages
27 p.
Series
Global Cooperation Research Papers, 9
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14282/2198-0411-GCRP-9
ISSN
2198-0411
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed