Definition
Empathy is understanding others’ feelings and perspectives with balanced, appropriate concern.
Empathy
Why it matters
Pluralistic societies require more than tolerance; they require understanding across differences. Empathy helps people recognize shared humanity and understand how experiences, policies and social conditions affect others.
When balanced, empathy strengthens trust, deepens dialogue and informs ethical judgment.
Classroom Activities
Empathy Interview
Students conduct a structured one-on-one interview focused on deep listening and understanding another person’s experiences and motivations.
Resources
Complicating the Narratives
What if journalists covered controversial issues differently — based on how humans actually behave when they are polarized and suspicious?
Bridging Differences Playbook
A research-informed guide offering practical tools for bridging divides at intrapersonal, interpersonal and intergroup levels.
How to Lead a Conversation Between People Who Disagree
In a world deeply divided, how do we have hard conversations with nuance, curiosity, respect?