Author's Purpose
What is the author’s main argument in The Limits of Empathy?
Empathy is insufficient for driving moral action, and moral codes are more effective.
What rhetorical device is used in the phrase, “Empathy makes you more aware of others’ pain, but it doesn’t do much to alleviate it”?
Antithesis
What example does the author use to show that external factors influence behavior more than empathy?
The dime experiment.
Which type of appeal is used when the author references research by Jesse Prinz?
Logical appeal / Logos.
What is nepotism?
the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs.
Why does the author critique empathy as a “shortcut to experiencing moral emotions”?
Because it allows people to feel good about themselves without taking meaningful action
What rhetorical device is used when the author contrasts “cute victims” with “ugly victims”?
Juxtaposition
How does the Milgram experiment support the author’s critique of empathy?
It shows that participants felt anguish but still followed authority instead of acting on their empathy.
Why does the author include the Milgram experiment as an example?
To show that empathy does not reliably lead to moral action when authority intervenes.
How does the author’s tone in the phrase "delicious moral emotions" affect the reader?
It creates a sarcastic tone, critiquing empathy as superficial and self-serving.
How does the author suggest moral codes are more effective than empathy in guiding behavior?
Moral codes provide structure and judgment, motivating people to act consistently.
What is the purpose of the metaphor “fragile flower” in describing empathy?
To suggest empathy is delicate, fleeting, and unreliable in difficult situations.
How does the example of the Holocaust guards emphasize empathy’s limitations?
The guards felt sorrow but still followed orders due to external pressures like authority.
What is the significance of the anecdote about the dime experiment?
It demonstrates that empathy does not have as strong an effect as external factors on behavior.
Does the author acknowledge any benefits of empathy in the text? If so, what are they?
Yes, the author acknowledges that empathy increases awareness of others’ suffering and emotional perspectives.