Empathy. Do we need more of it for more morality?

Seminar paper from the year 2017 in the subject Philosophy - Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics, Culture, Nature, Right, ...), grade: 1,0, University of Vienna (Philosophie), language: English, abstract: Empathy seems to be a phylogenetically ancient mechanism that helps not only animals but also humans to cooperate and coexist in social communities. Many authors have covered the topic from philosophical, psychological and anthropological perspectives. In this paper, I will take a closer look into the features and different modes of empathy and how they are used in daily life by looking at practical examples how empathy is demonstrated and what the outcome is. I will then argue, that a healthy person can willingly and individually influence the level of empathy towards other people and use it either supportive or manipulative. In this context, I will highlight some of the negative comments on the concept of empathy and the concerns that are expressed. I will argue then, that the illusion that increased empathy in humans will lead to higher morality will not come up to the expectations.