Can empathy be taught?

• Main Author: Goh, Terence Chien Yong
• Other Authors: Nanci Takeyama
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music::Design::Product
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/77279
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Empathy in its most commonly understood concept is the understanding of others beyond merely engaging the intellectual capacity, but through the emotional capacity as well, as exemplified in the phrase, “putting oneself in the shoes of others." However, empathy is a process that goes beyond self-transposal. This research project aims to answer the above question firstly with an in-depth analysis of the concept of empathy beyond its normative perception through various schools of thought, discussing its effectiveness and limitations. Thereafter, an answer to the question will be provided and lastly, as empathy is a process rather than an end, to explore the possibilities means of facilitating empathy in schools, as well as how we can facilitate the learning to occur in homes too. Specialisation: Visual Communication Keywords: Empathy, Educational Toolkit Design