Citation

Decety J, Cowell JM. AJOB Neurosci. 2015; 6(3): 3-14.

Affiliation

Child Neurosuite - Department of Psychology. 5848 S. University Avenue, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/21507740.2015.1047055

PMID

26877887

PMCID

PMC4748844

Abstract

Empathy shapes the landscape of our social lives. It motivates prosocial and caregiving behaviors, plays a role in inhibiting aggression, and facilitates cooperation between members of a similar social group. Thus, empathy is often conceived as a driving motivation of moral behavior and justice, and as such, everyone would think that it should be cultivated. However, the relationships between empathy, morality, and justice are complex. We begin by explaining what the notion of empathy encompasses and then argue how sensitivity to others' needs has evolved in the context of parental care and group living. Next, we examine the multiple physiological, hormonal, and neural systems supporting empathy and its functions. One troubling but important corollary of this neuro-evolutionary model is that empathy produces social preferences that can conflict with fairness and justice. An understanding of the factors that mold our emotional response and caring motivation for others helps provide organizational principles and ultimately guides decision-making in medical ethics.

Language: en