>I quite agree with David Musick (if I read him correctly) that
>empathy is the root of morality. So said Schopenhauer long ago (more
>or less), and I think it really is as simple as that.
I would also add that empathy is a skill that can be developed.
There have been studies, mostly dealing with issues of violence, on how
empathic skills can be suppressed through exposure to certain
situations or stimulus. This seems to suggest that empathy could be
enhanced through education and experience.
If the above brings to mind any specific authors or articles, I would
like to read more on the idea.
Thx,
Kathryn Aegis