Empathy and Inclusion

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter explores the potential uses of empathy within organizations. It focuses on the moral dimensions of these uses, particularly in the context of animal ethics. The fundamental questions raised in this chapter are threefold. First, what are the social and moral benefits of empathy? Secondly, how do these benefits manifest in de facto animal ethics? Thirdly, should organizations seek to enhance empathy, so as to better pay heed to the wellbeing of nonhuman animals? To help provide a means of thinking about such questions, the chapter introduces six different varieties of empathy and analyses their potential role in making sense of the perspectives and moral consideration of nonhuman animals. The chapter examines recent critiques of empathy, which posit that empathy hinders rather than aids moral inclusion, together with some possible counter arguments. By providing a framework for thinking with, this chapter contributes a new type of organizational philosophy that demonstrates how to pay attention to the experiences and moral worth of nonhuman animals.