Quote:
Originally Posted by cardboard adolescent
Because empathy is just an inclination, just like passion and hatred are inclinations that can quickly overwhelm it. Morality is meaningless if it is based on inclinations, since morality should be able to lead someone to overcome their inclinations.
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Empathy
does lead people to overcome their inclinations, that's the point. I may want a hundred dollars, but empathy is what prevents me from taking it out of your wallet. Empathy is at the root of the golden rule and in some form or another the golden rule is the cornerstone of all of human civilization.