Simulation, projection and empathy.
Simulationists have recently started to employ the term "empathy" when characterizing our most basic understanding of other minds. I agree that empathy is crucial, but I think it is being misconstrued by the simulationists. Using some ideas to be found in Scheler's classical discussion of empathy, I will argue for a different understanding of the notion. More specifically, I will argue that there are basic levels of interpersonal understanding-in particular the understanding of emotional expressions-that are not explicable in terms of simulation-plus-projection routines.
Zahavi
Dan
D
Center for Subjectivity Research, Department of Media, Cognition and Communication, University of Copenhagen, Njalsgade 140-142, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark. dza@hum.ku.dk
D003071:Cognition; D004645:Empathy; D019260:Expressed Emotion; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012919:Social Behavior