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In this seminar, we will explore the role of sympathy in ethical theory and practice. Alongside other emotions, sympathy is considered a companion in moral reasoning and motivation. For instance, Kant argues that sympathy helps identify injustice and motivates beneficence. From this theoretical perspective, we will distinguish between various forms of sympathy, examining their advantages and disadvantages for individual and collective ethical decision-making. Sympathy is also central to moral theory, serving as a foundational concept for choosing and justifying courses of action to address morally relevant issues. This perspective is evident in recent developments in care-based ethics, often rooted in David Hume’s and Adam Smith’s moral sentimentalism, as well as in communitarian critiques of liberalism and theories of political solidarity.

The seminar consists of three units. The first unit begins by exploring and comparing the concept and role of sympathy in the works of Adam Smith and Immanuel Kant, through both primary texts and secondary literature. While Kant’s moral theory allows for a generous role for sympathy, he does not see it as the foundation of moral judgment. In contrast, Adam Smith viewed natural sympathy as central to our fundamental moral appraisals.

In the second unit, we turn to more recent thinkers: Max Scheler and Martha Nussbaum. Scheler’s phenomenology provides a rich and detailed distinction between different forms of sympathy, offering an intriguing view of the value of relating to others' feelings. For Scheler, sympathy takes on moral value when it manifests as loving bonds. In contrast, Nussbaum argues that sympathy is crucial for promoting social justice, especially when abstract principles and rules of action fall short. By encouraging concern for others' well-being, sympathy can enrich our moral understanding and guide our actions.

The third unit concludes by examining the work of two additional authors, each with their own unique concerns and approaches. Michael Slote’s empathy-based ethical theory, which shares roots in moral sentimentalism and draws on insights from sympathy, offers important implications for global justice. Finally, we will explore María Lugones’ theory of world-traveling, which emphasizes constructing sympathetic relationships for liberation. As a key figure in feminist and intersectionality theory, Lugones underscores the importance of understanding differences and exploring others' experiences in creating societies where individuals can freely develop.

The students can earn graded or ungraded academic credit; for the latter, an academic performance (oral exam or term paper) is required.