Ethical Reasoning vs. Empathic Bias: A False Dichotomy?

Abstract

Does empathy necessarily impede equitable altruism? Emerging findings from cognitive and affective science suggest that rationality and empathy can work together, contradicting some earlier, prominent arguments that empathy impedes equitable giving. We propose alternative conceptualizations of the relationships between empathy, rationality, and equity drawing on interdisciplinary advances in altruism research.

The Case for Longtermism: Concern for the far future as a catalyst for pro-climate action

“…Encouragingly, a brief imaginative exercise focused on mitigating future harm not only amplified participants' sense of duty towards future generations, but also led to a tangible rise in their actual monetary contributions to an environmental charity, an effect which was explained entirely through increases in responsibility owing to the intervention. These findings suggest that by tapping into the capacities for empathic emotion, ethical reasoning, and imagination, which exist in ordinary healthy adults (see 44,45 for a relevant review), it's possible to foster a stronger sense of duty towards future generations and motivate tangible actions in support of environmental causes. Pivotally, we attained practically meaningful outcomes from a relatively brief (around 7 minutes), online, and remarkably cost-effective ($1.30 per participant) manipulation.…”