Is Empathy Under Attack? - Questions That Matter - Discussion Night

Is Empathy Under Attack?

For most of us, empathy is a given, a positive—the glue that holds society together, a trait we feel is a big part of what makes us human. Some might say that Empathy is a foundational part of human moral goodness. And most of us generally believe the world needs more of it, not less.

But lately, empathy seems to be finding itself in the crosshairs.
From Silicon Valley rationalists who view it as a "bug" in our decision-making code, to political movements that frame compassion as "weakness," to algorithms optimized for engagement over connection, the value of feeling what others feel is being questioned like never before.

Arguments from figures like Elon Musk or "Effective Altruists" are now suggesting that empathy is biased, innumerate, and inefficient.
They argue its downside can make us care about the cute dog in front of us while ignoring the starving millions we can’t see. That due to this, to truly solve problems, we must trade warm empathy for cold, hard reason.

Tonight at Questions That Matter we ask: Are the current critiques valid, or is it another obvious and dangerous drift toward a more robotic, less humane existence? Are we evolving past the need for empathy, or are we at risk of losing the very thing that we need most to save?

“Empathy is like a spotlight directing attention to the immediate suffering of a few... It makes us care more about a falling child in a well than about global warming.” — Paul Bloom, Against Empathy

“My mind is a storm... I operate on the physics of progress, and feelings are often just resistance.” — Elon Musk (paraphrased)

Some potential prompts for this week’s Questions That Matter:

1. "Is empathy facing a coordinated cultural backlash, or are we simply witnessing a necessary correction due to some of its overlooked limitations?"

2. Is there a logical backlash against empathy that is part of our turn towards "ruthless efficiency"?

3. What does it say when we feel more compassion for a dog on the street than for a stranger starving across the world?

4. Can you recall a time when your empathy caused you to make a bad decision or prolonged a problem?

5. If we successfully "debug" humanity and remove empathy in favor of a more ‘pure and detached’ logic, would you still want to live here?

6. Is it acceptable to be or become individually or collectively "cruel" to individuals if it serves the broader good or the survival of the species?

As usual, the goal of the night isn’t simply to agree, disagree, or learn. It’s also to connect through genuine, lively, interactive discussion and, potentially, to go to some of the unexpected and uncharted places that deep and free conversation can take us.

When we wrap up, around 8 p.m., we hope you’ll mingle, exchange numbers, and head out with some of us for something to eat or drink. As polarized as the world is right now, one of the deepest connections still available to human beings is a shared meal or drink.

Whether you’re in Chiang Mai for a short visit or you’re a longer term expat or resident, we hope you can join us, not only in exploring the deeper questions but in making new connections and friendships through the discussions.

If possible, please support the venue, 4seas, by purchasing a beverage or a snack. They are kindly providing the space to us at no charge.

We all look forward to meeting you!