The evolution of empathy through parental care

Montpellier

Encuentro; International Society for the History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology Meeting; 2013

International Society for the History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology

My presentation deals with empathy from an evolutionary point of view considered as a proximate mechanism for pro-social behavior. Empathy includes a range of processes: from automatic activation of emotions and behaviors perceived in others, to sophisticated social cognition, for instance, perspective-taking; and finally to pro-socially motivated behavior. Some theories identify empathy with its most basic forms: emotional and behavioral contagion or imitation. But a common view links empathy to pro-social emotions and motivation, probably based on socio-emotional connections among individuals.