Empathy

Derek Matravers is Professor of Philosophy at The Open University.

"This is a terrific introduction to the concept of empathy. Matravers takes us on a first-rate tour of the concept, stopping along the way to trace its historical roots, and to examine the role of empathy in morality and aesthetics. I found myself effortlessly whisked along by Matravers' insightful distinctions and engaging examples. If you are new to the philosophy of empathy, this is the book to read. If you are already an expert, Matravers' clear-headed presentation of the theoretical alternatives will help you take the perspective of your competitors."—Heather Battaly, California State University, Fullerton"Matravers' book provides a very enjoyable, highly nuanced, and historically astute discussion of the concept of empathy and its alleged contribution to understanding other minds, to morality, and to our appreciation of works of art. It constitutes a first-rate introduction to a—philosophically rather confusing—topic."—Karsten Stueber, author of Rediscovering Empathy

• Acknowledgements viii1 Introduction: Some Historical Preliminaries 12 Some Conceptual Preliminaries 153 Empathy as Simulation 254 A Priori and A Posteriori Empathy 425 Re-enacting the Thoughts of Others 626 Empathy and the Emotions 757 Empathy and Ethics 1048 Empathy and Aesthetics 1249 Afterword 145Notes 152Bibliography 156Index 164