The Empathic Brain

Empathy

Why It Pays Off to Be Empathic

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on June 7, 2021

We often think that we feel empathy in order to be a more prosocial species. A new rodent study reveals we might actually share the distress of others to save our own skin!

We often think that we feel empathy in order to be a more prosocial species. A new rodent study reveals we might actually share the distress of others to save our own skin!

Empathy

Why Obeying Orders Can Make Us Do Terrible Things

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on August 19, 2020

Brain activity shows that we all reduce our empathy for the pain we inflict when we are obeying orders.

Brain activity shows that we all reduce our empathy for the pain we inflict when we are obeying orders.

Empathy

What Makes Us Empathic?

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on April 11, 2019

A new study reveals nerve cells that transform the pain of others into our own pain in split seconds. Without them, pain is no longer contagious.

A new study reveals nerve cells that transform the pain of others into our own pain in split seconds. Without them, pain is no longer contagious.

Empathy

Inside the Mind of a Psychopath–Empathic, But Not Always

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on July 24, 2013

Psychopathic criminals like Hannibal Lecter or Jack the Ripper both repulse and fascinate us. How can they sometimes be so charming, and the next second, perform such atrocities?

Psychopathic criminals like Hannibal Lecter or Jack the Ripper both repulse and fascinate us. How can they sometimes be so charming, and the next second, perform such atrocities?

Empathy

Rats Might Be Empathic and Will Help Other Rats in Need

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on December 8, 2011

We thought only humans are compassionate. New research shows that rats are empathic and will help other rats in need.

We thought only humans are compassionate. New research shows that rats are empathic and will help other rats in need.

Empathy

Why We Care About the People of Syria

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on August 19, 2011

We were taught that humans are the result of the "survival of the fittest." If we are driven by self-interest, why should we care about the people of Syria? Perhaps evolution has equipped us with an empathic brain.

We were taught that humans are the result of the "survival of the fittest." If we are driven by self-interest, why should we care about the people of Syria? Perhaps evolution has equipped us with an empathic brain.

Empathy

The London Riots: When the Empathic Brain Switches off

Christian Keysers Ph.D. on August 12, 2011

Normal citizens turn into ruthless rioters in the ‘social network riots’ in London. We normally empathize with other people, and this keeps us from harming them. Recent brain science shows that our empathic brains get turned off if we consider others not to belong to us. Are the London Riots a case of reduced empathy? What can we do to restore empathy?

Normal citizens turn into ruthless rioters in the ‘social network riots’ in London. We normally empathize with other people, and this keeps us from harming them. Recent brain science shows that our empathic brains get turned off if we consider others not to belong to us. Are the London Riots a case of reduced empathy? What can we do to restore empathy?