LET’S IMPROVE OUR EMPATHY

LET’S IMPROVE OUR EMPATHY

Many human activities are harmful for nature. We speak of climate change and global warming and we fear that water (for agriculture as well as drinking) might have to be rationed. Thinning of the ozone layer may lead to an increase in skin cancer cases. A reduction of biodiversity (animal and plant variety) may have unforeseeable consequences. Non-renewable sources of energy are warming the planet and damage our health. However, the main problem is that most people do not have the necessary scientific background to fully understand these issues and, in any case, most people don’t lose sleep over these problems. Maybe this indifference is about to finish. The reason starts from far off. Neuroscience describes three types of empathy (the ability to understand deep down the point of view and sentiments of those around us) and each is governed by its own neural circuit. The first is cognitive empathy which helps us understand what and how others think and is not accompanied by emotional feelings of participation. The second is emotional empathy where you ‘feel’ in sync the happiness or sadness of those around you. The third is the attentive empathy which a parent might have for his/her kids. Researchers have seen that the three neural circuits underlying the three types of empathy can be inhibited or activated. With exercise one may become more emphatic for one all three forms and vice versa. At this point educators responsible for preparing IB (International Baccalaureate) school programs went into action. They are studying ways to combine the development of the three empathies within syllabuses that deal with man-environment issues. These are revolutionary plans that combine scientific knowledge with an interest for the future of man and nature. The plan is significant in its attempt to overcome indifference and ignorance simultaneously. Let’s hope no-one sees other less praiseworthy opportunities.

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