empathy-development

The chapter discusses empathy as a fundamental psychological capacity that develops early in life and is crucial for moral and social functioning.

5 chapters across 2 books

Biosphere Politics (2009)Jeremy Rifkin

CHAPTER 4: BECOMING HUMAN 1 James, William. The Principles of Psychology. Vol. 1. New York: Henry Holt, 1918. p. 488. 2 Greenspan, Stanley (with Beryl Lieff Benderly). The Growth of the Mind: And the Endangered Origins of Intelligence. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, 1997. p 50. 3 Ibid. p. 54. 4 Ibid. p. 58. 5 Ibid. p. 64. 6 Ibid. p. 72. 7 Ibid. p. 75. 8 Ibid. p. 78. 9 Ibid. p. 82. 10 Ibid. p. 85. 11 Ibid. p. 88. 12 Ibid. p. 113. 13 Ibid. p. 116. 14 Ibid. p. 120. 15 Ibid. p. 193. 16 Hoffman, Martin L. Empathy and Moral Development: Implications for Caring and Justice. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2000. p. 5. 17 Ibid. 18 Smith, Adam. Theory of Moral Development; or, An Essay Towards an Analysis of the Principles by Which Men Naturally Judge Concerning the Conduct and Character, First of Their Neighbours, and Afterwards of Themselves . London: H. G. Bohn, 1853. pp. 4, 10. 19 Chartrand, Tanya L., William W. Maddux, and Jessica L. Lakin. “Beyond the

Chapter 4 of Jeremy Rifkin's "Biosphere Politics" explores the development of human empathy, moral cognition, and social behavior through psychological and neuroscientific perspectives. Drawing on extensive research from developmental psychology, moral philosophy, and social neuroscience, the chapter argues that human beings become fully human through the growth of empathy, nonconscious mimicry, and the capacity for moral judgment. It emphasizes the biological and social origins of empathy and altruism, highlighting how these capacities underpin moral development and social cohesion.

CHAPTER 15: BIOSPHERE CONSCIOUSNESS IN A CLIMAX ECONOMY 1 Lovelock, James. The Ages of Gaia: A Biography of Our Living Earth . New York: Norton, 1988. p. 312. Quotation by Vladimir Vernadsky. 2 Polunin, N. “Our Use of ‘Biosphere,’ ‘Ecosystem,’ and Now ‘Ecobiome.’ ” Environmental Conservation . Vol. 11. 1984. p. 198. Serafin, Rafal. “Noosphere, Gaia, and the Science of the Biosphere.” Environmental Ethics . Vol. 10. Summer 1988. p. 125. 3 Patten, Bernard C. “Network Ecology.” In M. Higashi and T. P. Burns, eds. Theoretical Studies of Ecosystems: The Network Perspective. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991. 4 Capra, Fritjof. The Web of Life: A New Scientifi Understanding of Living Systems . New York: Anchor Books, 1996. pp. 34-35. 5 Ibid. p. 34. Thomas, Lewis. The Lives of a Cell . New York: Bantam, 1975. pp. 26ff, 102ff. 6 Hu, Winnie. “Gossip Girls and Boys Get Lessons in Empathy.” New York Times. April 4, 2009. 7 Ibid. 8 Gordon, Mary. Roots of Empathy . Toronto: Thomas Allen Publishers. 2005. p. 6. 9 Ibid. p. 8. 10 Ibid. p. 11. 11 Ibid. p. 78. 12 Ibid. p. xvii. 13 Gergen, Kenneth J. “Theory Under Threat: Social Construction and Identity Politics.” In Charles W Tolman, Frances Cherry, Rene Van Hezewijk, and Ian Lubek, eds. Problems of Theoretical Psychology. North York, Ontario, Canada: Captus University Publications, 1996. p. 21. 14 Bruffee, Kenneth A. Collaborative Learning: Higher Education,

Chapter 15 of Jeremy Rifkin's "Biosphere Politics" explores the emergence of biosphere consciousness within the context of a climax economy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life systems and the evolution of empathy as a social and ecological imperative. Drawing on interdisciplinary sources from ecology, psychology, and philosophy, the chapter argues for a new collective awareness that integrates scientific understanding of the biosphere with human social dynamics, fostering collaborative learning and identity construction rooted in ecological interdependence.

Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis (2009)Jeremy Rifkin

CHAPTER 2: THE NEW VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE

Chapter 2 of Jeremy Rifkin's 'Empathic Civilization' revisits classical and contemporary psychoanalytic theories to propose a new understanding of human nature centered on empathy and relationality rather than instinctual drives alone. Drawing extensively on Freud, Suttie, Winnicott, Bowlby, and others, the chapter traces the evolution of thought from Freud's conflicted view of civilization and human drives to modern attachment theory and the importance of early relational bonds in shaping empathy and social consciousness. The chapter emphasizes the foundational role of early human relationships in developing empathy, which underpins the possibility of a global empathic civilization.

CHAPTER 4: BECOMING HUMAN

Chapter 4, "Becoming Human," explores the development of empathy and moral consciousness as fundamental to human nature, drawing on psychological and developmental research. It discusses the biological and social mechanisms underlying empathy, including mimicry, emotional recognition, and moral development from infancy through adulthood. The chapter integrates insights from various scholars to argue that empathy is both innate and cultivated, forming the basis for caring, justice, and social cohesion.

CHAPTER 15: BIOSPHERE CONSCIOUSNESS IN A CLIMAX ECONOMY

Chapter 15, "Biosphere Consciousness in a Climax Economy," explores the evolving understanding of the biosphere as a complex, interconnected living system, drawing on scientific and philosophical perspectives such as Gaia theory and network ecology. It emphasizes the development of a global consciousness rooted in empathy and ecological awareness, highlighting the psychological and social dimensions necessary for humanity to address environmental crises within the context of a climax economy. The chapter integrates interdisciplinary references to underscore the need for a biosphere-centered worldview to foster sustainable coexistence.