• In two healthy paragraphs summarize the piece and show (with framed quotes and paraphrase from the text) what you believe to be the author’s three main points/arguments. Support with textual evidence and include your own initial response to the material. //

Paul Bloom makes three main points in his discussion. First, he suggests the idea of empathy being used as a spotlight, and our lived experiences aim and brighten that spotlight. Second, he says “The real problem is that we don’t have enough empathy for other people.” (Bloom pg2-3). Third, he proposes moral situations in which human empathy can’t be used reliably and puts others at risk. Ultimately he wants us to know that he is against empathy in the moral domain and that there are better ways to go about using your morals to interact with people. 

My reaction to this text summed up into one word is “frustration.” Here comes another professional to comment on something that has been so influential in my lived experiences. Bloom seemingly forgets the concept of sympathy in his writing, not even bringing it up as a solution for alternatives to empathy. I believe that what he is describing as a spotlight isn’t empathy, he’s mistaken empathy for sympathy- and there’s a big difference. Empathy is thick, all-consuming, and overwhelming, which means that plenty of people don’t have the mental intelligence and capacity to use their empathy to its fullest potential. 

• Do you agree with Bloom’s main arguments? Why or why not? // 

No, I do not. Bloom wants his readers to think more deeply and reflect on their use of empathy when the emotions and actions better match the definition of sympathy and the ability to use compassion. 

• In what ways does Bloom challenge your initial understanding or perception regarding empathy? //

I don’t think Bloom challenges my definition of empathy. I want to challenge his perception of it though. Bloom uses a spotlight as an analogy for empathy when it’s so much more than that. Even for neurotypical people empathy isn’t a pointed source that can be aimed, it’s more a room’s dimmer switch. Neurodivergent empathy is a whole other beast (think a light control board for a theater). 

• Find one claim Bloom makes that evoked a strong response. Paste the direct quote from his piece, then write a few sentences in which you challenge OR support his claim in your own words and experience(s). //

“Further, spotlights only illuminate what they are pointed at, so empathy reflects our biases.” (Bloom pg2) was the quote I chose for this example. True, all-encompassing empathy doesn’t care about your biases. Maybe your sympathy and compassion do, but not empathy. Empathy is unconditional and is felt for all people, regardless of what you think about them. The idea that empathy is something that can be turned on and off and aimed is just incorrect, empathy is felt and can’t be placed upon someone by choice.