Abstract

In this paper, the flow of the argument follows the sequence of the areas of studies alluded to in the title. That is, I start with some neuroscience data relative to empathy, then I address the topic from a psychological perspective and I close with a section that tackles a philosophical perspective. As such, I begin illustrating the neural correlations of empathy, drawing on a couple of studies conducted by renowned scientists such as Simon-Baron Cohen, Jean Decety and Joseph LeDoux. Based on this knowledge of the correlations between the brain and empathy, I go on to demonstrate the importance of cultivating these correlations cognitively, affectively and behaviorally (through action) so that we (human beings) develop and strengthen an empathic mind. This is where developmental psychology steps in. Adding the mental development to the physiological/neural knowledge creates the channel to expressing empathic behavior; thus leading to the section about ethics or philosophy. I conclude by stressing on the powerful role of empathy in transforming societies for the better, given its phenomenal characteristic of bridging between different sciences.

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