Sympathy plays a role in morality from "summary" of A Treatise of Human Nature: Texts by David Hume
Sympathy is a powerful emotion that plays a significant role in shaping our moral judgments and actions. When we witness the suffering or happiness of others, we cannot help but feel a corresponding emotional response within ourselves. This emotional resonance forms the basis of our moral sense, guiding us towards actions that promote the well-being of others and avoiding those that cause harm. Through sympathy, we are able to put ourselves in the shoes of others, experiencing their joys and sorrows as if they were our own. This ability to empathize with the experiences of others allows us to understand their perspectives and motivations, leading us to act in ways that are considerate of their needs and feelings. In this way, sympathy serves as a bridge between individuals, fostering connections and promoting cooperation within society. Moreover, sympathy helps to cultivate virtues such as kindness, compassion, and generosity. When we feel empathy towards others, we are more likely to act in ways that demonstrate these virtues, leading to a more harmonious and morally upright society. By cultivating our capacity for sympathy, we can become better moral agents, capable of making decisions that are guided by a genuine concern for the well-being of others.- Sympathy is the foundation of morality, guiding our moral judgments and actions towards promoting the welfare of others. Without this emotional resonance, our moral compass would be adrift, leading us to make decisions that are selfish and indifferent to the suffering of others. By recognizing the role that sympathy plays in shaping our moral sense, we can strive to cultivate this emotion within ourselves, leading to a more compassionate and ethical society.
