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‘Radical Empathy’ - hearing different voices

From Planet 249

by Sophie McKeand

Sophie McKeand explores the challenging path of radical empathy as a way out of the increasingly bitter polarisation which infects public discourse and social media.

When I write of ‘radical empathy’ what do I mean? Is radical empathy a useful tool in the protest movement, and if so, where are its limitations? Perhaps the best way to explain radical empathy is the absolute will and desire to understand the perspective of someone who holds views, or who lives a life that differs from our own. It is an attempt to fully immerse in their situation so as to be able to grasp why they feel and think as they do. It is not a question of agreeing with someone, or upholding their views. It is, in its simplest form, a deep comprehension of another position.

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