Definition Of Empathy In World History

Several different theories have been proposed to explain empathy.

Definition of empathy in world history. For instance today people are taught to empathize with the plight of native americans as their. While that definition of empathy might give you a basic understanding of the term perhaps a more detailed definition might be helpful. The most obvious example perhaps is that of the actor or singer. Titchener as a translation of the german term einfühlung meaning feeling into.

Barton and levstik 2004 as cited in brooks 2008 defines historical empathy as being a process of understanding people in the past by contextualizing their. Empathy n 1908 modeled on german einfühlung from ein in fühlung feeling which was coined 1858 by german philosopher rudolf lotze 1817 1881 as a translation of greek empatheia passion state of emotion from assimilated form of en in see en 2 pathos feeling from pie root kwent h to suffer. Context matters as well when it comes to historical empathy and varying perspective on history. The american psychological association dictionary defines empathy as understanding a person from his or her frame of reference rather than one s own or vicariously experiencing that person s feelings.

But while empathy no longer means what it did a century ago we do experience a strange admixture of self and world when we contemplate a weeping willow describe an imposing tower or hum along. Types of empathy include cognitive empathy emotional or affective empathy and somatic empathy. A term from a theory of art appreciation that maintains appreciation. History of studying empathy.

Before the psychologist edward titchener 1867 1927 introduced the term empathy in 1909 into the english language as the translation of the german term einfühlung or feeling into sympathy was the term commonly used to refer to empathy related phenomena. Such positioning would encourage a more balanced equitable view of history which allows for a greater depth of understanding and insight into the content which is being discussed. The world and culture which you re used to is unique and simply judging another s thoughts words and actions based upon your own cultural norms shows a lack of empathy for their way of life. Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference that is the capacity to place oneself in another s position.

Definitions of empathy encompass a broad range of emotional states.