Empathy Doesn't Hinder Moral Action

Another debate that had me thinking and intrigued me greatly was "Does Empathy Guide or Hinder Moral Action?". Empathy allows humans the ability to share and connect their experiences and become closer. Does empathy guide or hinder moral action? What are your thoughts?

Debater Paul Bloom believes that empathy can lead to short-sights and unfair moral action. Bloom claims that empathy is a curse and can turn people against vulnerable groups. An alternative that Bloom suggests to replace empathy is compassion, since compassion is more so a feeling of pity. While debater Jamil Zaki believes that empathy can improve and make a difference in society. He claims that empathy causes people to grow up happier and healthier.

As for me, I believe that empathy doesn't hinder moral action. When people connect with one another thanks to empathy, they get a general sense of moral action. After hearing others' stories and experiences, society can pick out and see what's appropriate and what is not. Empathy can open people's eyes to the unknown and make society more aware of things. If you empathize with somebody, then you understand and feel what they're going through. When or if you face that dilemma yourself, then you can guide yourself based off of that person's experience.

Maybe yes occasionally, empathy may hinder moral action when the feeling is too strong. However, I stand by my point that empathy aids in moral action. Is empathy really a bad thing or is it a good thing? If so why? I'd like to hear your opinions on this issue.                    - Emily Chang