ABSTRACT
Empathy is often thought of as an affective state that is mediated by an ability of persons to place themselves, mostly deliberately, but on occasion spontaneously, into observed others’ emotional experiences. The resultant affections are construed as ‘feeling with’ or ‘feeling for’ the persons whose emotions were witnessed. Such feelings are also deemed ‘vicarious’ emotions. Whatever the construal, the affections in question are usually thought to foster a deeper understanding of the observed persons’ lot and, conditions allowing, inspire supportive actions.
