ABSTRACT
Empathy is an important element in a democratic society. It appears in various forms. And empathy also plays a significant role in our inner self. In the literature, empathy is often associated with the development of what psychologists have described as a “theory of mind,” which refers to the ability to assess another person’s point of view and at the same time to notice the differences between one’s own perspective and the perspective of another individual. This chapter describes how researchers decided if children had developed a theory of mind. It explores three forms of empathy: Cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassion. Empathy can be strengthened by education and through role-playing, drawing techniques, music, and other artistic activities. Empathy is also important in creating a democratic attitude. Inner democracy requires giving space to the other, even if the other person is the opponent.
