Why empathy is a critical tool for a functioning democracy

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In an era of deep social division, some figures dismiss empathy as a weakness. However, scholars argue it is actually a vital cognitive and moral muscle. By learning to imaginatively step into another person's shoes, we develop the narrative imagination necessary to sustain a healthy, diverse society.

Empathy is often misunderstood as mere agreement, but its true function is the ability to understand and appreciate perspectives different from our own. In psychology, this manifests in two ways: the mental process of perspective-taking and the visceral, shared emotional response. Professor Jane Shaw highlights that empathy is an art form—a way of using imaginative understanding to guide our actions. This distinction is crucial; we do not have to accept every viewpoint we encounter, but we must be able to evaluate them through a lens of reason and shared humanity.

The humanities and arts serve as essential laboratories for this skill. Philosopher Martha Nussbaum argues that factual knowledge and logic alone are insufficient for democratic life; citizens require a "narrative imagination" to read the stories of others. Historically, the rise of the novel in the Enlightenment served as a "humanitarian narrative" that allowed people to explore moral philosophy. By engaging with theatre, literature, and music, we enlarge our communities beyond our immediate circles, practicing what Marilynne Robinson calls "imaginative love" for those we do not know.

This process allows us to bridge the gap between the self and the "faraway nearby." Artists act as disruptors in this regard, revealing truths about the human condition that we might otherwise ignore. By exercising empathy through these works, we develop a moral imagination that is necessary for civic participation. It enables us to navigate a complex world where diversity is the norm, ensuring that our communities remain humane and capable of functioning in the face of significant social friction.

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