What feelings and actions are taken into consideration when making a moral choice? Some say empathy and implementing the power of the heart can help people make the best possible decision while other consider using logic and reason for the best answer to a moral question. The main debate at question is the rationality of using logical reason versus straight up empathy when it comes to making a good decision.
On one side of the spectrum, Paul Bloom argues that although empathy is necessary and can omit positive response, it can also be insular and parochial since his studies show that, more times than not, we only empathize with those that look and are like ourselves. That can be restricting. I mean, when you think about it, when was the last time you empathized with the villain in the story instead of the hero? He also believes that being just empathetic lacks benefit for those that need to be empathized for because if, for example, Friend A was trying to help Friend B through a stressful time, Friend A being empathetic and feeling the stress too would be no help to either of the friends. Bloom argues that compassion is a more beneficial strategy to be helpful and kind to others, as logical reason also can because it cuts off the factor of personal attachment allowing the person to make the best possible decision without personal issues intervening in the matter. On the other end, Jamil Zaki points out other pieces of importance in empathy and how it works hand-in-hand with compassion instead of each aspect working separately. Zaki points out that people feel more comfortable and empowered when around others who can empathize with them like how we tend to group towards others who share personal interests and experiences. He argues that as we may empathize with those we love, we become better people towards them and out lives become more enriched. He argues that as compassion and empathy are interconnected, they help us become better citizens and make better decisions because they come from the heart and "act like a psychological alarm system," allowing us to understand from other points of view and look at things from different sides. What do you think? Should we make decisions based off of logic and hard facts or should we bring our individual emotions into the situation? Which do you think tends to give off the best outcome and why? In the end, do you think it's our decisions that make us good people, or is it our ability to empathize and sympathize with one another?
https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2016/12/29/does-empathy-guide-or-hinder-moral-action
Vittina Ibanez
I am quite confused about the point or question you're trying to make. You first mention empathy vs. logic, but all I see in the arguments presented are whether compassion goes independent or hand in hand with empathy. Compassion does not equal logical thought, and I believe that compassion and empathy are both on the spectrum of emotions. There's a mismatch between the question and the facts presented with that question. I myself believe that a combination of the two, empathy and logical thought, are necessary in order to become a good person.
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