Deliberations on values and normativity in moral philosophy are witnessing a transition from traditional moral absolutes and relative models to discursive and subjective models defined and determined by phronesis and praxis-oriented approaches. Empathy, conceived as the ability to understand and feel with the other, is gaining currency as a normative metaphor in the emergent models of ethics. The inclusive epistemology of empathy reshapes the dictums and contours of moral principles and practices. This volume introduces some of the emergent models and researches on how empathy enhances the conventional ethical paradigms in professional practices in society. The application of the principles of empathy in various ethical scenarios in the healthcare field, incorporating empathy into the philosophical deliberations on ethical normativity, appropriation of business ethics and law from the perspective of empathy, and visualising a moral theology informed by empathy are the major focal themes of this volume.
Dr Augustine Pamplany CST, is the founder director of Institute of Science and Religion, Jnana Niketan - Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Aluva, Kerala.
Dr Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ, is the Chair Professor, JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics, XLRI, Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur.
Dr Tigi Thanniyil CST, is Dean, Jnana Niketan Philosophy and Religion, Aluva, Kerala.
Inana Niketan - Institute of Philosophy and Religion has a longstanding tradition of hosting national and international conferences spanning over six decades, covering a wide array of themes in philosophy, religion, science, and ethics. Among these, the most recent event was the National Symposium on Empathy -A New Metaphor for Ethics, held on November 15-16, 2022. Co-organized with the South India Unit of Bioethics & SAARC Nodal Centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, and the JRD Tata Foundation on Business Ethics at XLRI, Jamshedpur, this symposium targeted engaging practitioners, educators, and professionals from diverse sectors such as healthcare, business, government. law, education, and social services. It provided a platform for a diverse pool of experts, academicians, scientists, and researchers to exchange insights and findings on various dimensions of empathy.
The resulting volume, which compiles the proceedings of the symposium. reflects the breadth of topics covered and the multifaceted treatment of empathy in both theoretical and practical contexts. The inclusion of papers addressing a range of themes underscores the rich diversity inherent in the concept of empathy. In contemplating the thematic breadth of this volume, I am reminded of the foundational ontological perspective of empathy elucidated in the cosmotheandric vision of the esteemed theologian and philosopher Raimundo Panikkar. Introducing a brief preface on Panikkar's conception of empathy could serve as a valuable conceptual framework for readers navigating the contents of this book.
Raimundo Panikkar was a philosopher, theologian, and mystic known for his groundbreaking work in interreligious dialogue and his profound exploration of the interconnectedness of humanity, divinity, and the cosmos. Central to Panikkar's thought is his vision of empathy, which he approached through the lens of his cosmotheandric perspective. Panikkar's cosmotheandric vision recognizes the interconnectedness of the cosmos, the divine, and humanity. According to him, the experience of the divine is not limited to sacred rituals or mystical moments. Instead, it permeates our everyday lives. It encompasses ordinary acts like conversations with friends, sharing meals, experiencing love, defending ideas, and enduring pain. In these seemingly mundane moments, we encounter the ultimate and universal experience-a divine presence that infuses reality. Panikkar emphasized dialogue as a way of life. He believed that engaging in meaningful conversations across cultures, religions, and philosophies was essential. Pluralism, the acceptance of diverse perspectives, was a given fact of reality for him. He worked tirelessly for over six decades to bring different worldviews onto a dialogic platform. His commitment to pluralism and dialogue positioned him as a philosopher of true globalization-not just economic or political, but a deep understanding of our shared humanity. The radicality of the praxis perspectives of empathy is so imposing in his assimilation of humans as transcultural beings. He believes that pluralism is tantamount to tolerating the intolerable even. He says. ""The self-identity of Man is transcultural, and thus cannot have any single point of reference. Pluralism is not synonymous with tolerance of a variety of opinions. Pluralism amounts to the recognition of the unthinkable, the absurd, and up to a limit, intolerable. Reality in itself does not need to be transparent intelligible."""" His personal journey of life is the living testimony to such a transcultural existence, as he says, ""I left Europe (for India) as a Christian, I discovered I was a Hindu and returned as a Buddhist without ever having ceased to be a Christian."" As Panikkar championed dialogue across cultures, religions, and philosophies, he believed that understanding diverse perspectives was crucial.
The relevance of Panikkar's cosmotheandric vision in the context of empathy is that it offers a path to transform consciousness. By appreciating the non-dual nature of reality, seekers can access wisdom from ancient traditions in innovative ways. His vision encourages us to see beyond clichés and discover the extraordinary within the ordinary. In this transformative consciousness one embraces pluralism, peace, and harmony. It fosters interculturality, empathy, and a dialogical approach.
As Panikkar recognizes the interconnectedness of the cosmos, the divine, and humanity, Empathy for him is not merely a psychological phenomenon; it is an essential part of human survival and successful living in social groups. It goes beyond feeling compassion it is about experiencing the other as an integral part of oneself. In Panikkar's cosmology, empathy is woven into the fabric of existence, connecting us to the divine and each other. Panikkar's empathy isn't limited to warm feelings; it's a transformative force. By embracing empathy, we move beyond clichés and discover the extraordinary within the ordinary. It's a call to cultivate interculturality, to see the divine in everyday encounters, and to build coexistence based on peace and harmony.
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