It depends on who you ask. Until recently empathy was generally considered a positive thing. But a growing number of mostly conservative voices believe empathy can be extremely dangerous — even toxic. Their argument is that empathy can drive irrational thinking and behaviour in public life. The result is a growing battle over empathy in a world that has never seemed to need it more.

If you like this podcast, you may want to listen to this: Why practicing empathy is far from simple.

Guests in this podcast:

Matt Richins – neuroscientist and psychologist, who did research on empathy at Exeter University, UK.

Susan Lanzoni – author, historian of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience and professor at Harvard’s School of Continuing Education

Mary Gordon – founder of Roots of Empathy program, Toronto

Michael Slote – author, philosopher and professor of ethics at the University of Miami

Margaret Davidson – Roots of Empathy classroom facilitator, Chiganois Elementary

Kourtney Simms – Chiganois Elementary teacher

Ellie – Grade 1 student, Chiganois Elementary