Empathy - by David Howe (Paperback)

About the Book

"Empathy is key to good relationships. In its absence, behavior becomes puzzling, even dangerous. David Howe's fascinating new book examines what empathy is, why we have it and how it develops. He explores the important part empathy plays in child development and therapeutic work as well as its significance for how society organizes itself"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Empathy is profoundly important for understanding people's feelings and behaviour. It is not only an essential skill in conducting successful personal and working relationships, it also helps us understand what makes people moral and societies decent.

With this compelling book, David Howe invites the reader on an illuminating journey of discovery into how empathy was first conceptualised and how its influence has steadily risen and spread. He captures the growing significance of empathy to many fields, from evolutionary psychology and brain science to moral philosophy and mental health. In doing so, he eloquently explains its importance to child development, intimate relationships, therapy, the creative arts, neurology and ethics.

Written with light touch, this is an authoritative and insightful guide to empathy, its importance, why we have it and how it develops. It offers an invaluable introduction for readers everywhere, including those studying or working in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, social work, health, nursing and education.

From the Back Cover

Empathy is profoundly important for understanding people's feelings and behaviour. It is not only an essential skill in conducting successful personal and working relationships, it also helps us understand what makes people moral and societies decent.

With this compelling book, David Howe invites the reader on an illuminating journey of discovery into how empathy was first conceptualised and how its influence has steadily risen and spread. He captures the growing significance of empathy to many fields, from evolutionary psychology and brain science to moral philosophy and mental health. In doing so, he eloquently explains its importance to child development, intimate relationships, therapy, the creative arts, neurology and ethics.

Written with light touch, this is an authoritative and insightful guide to empathy, its importance, why we have it and how it develops. It offers an invaluable introduction for readers everywhere, including those studying or working in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, social work, health, nursing and education.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating, well-written and wide-ranging exploration of the concept of empathy" - Professor Ernesto Spinelli, author of Practising Existential Psychotherapy

About the Author

DAVID HOWE OBE is currently an Emeritus Professor in the School of Social Work and Psychology at UEA. His research and writing interests span social work theory, adoption, emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and child abuse and neglect. To date, he has written 17 books, many of them regarded as best-sellers.
DAVID HOWE OBE is currently an Emeritus Professor in the School of Social Work and Psychology at UEA. His research and writing interests span social work theory, adoption, emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and child abuse and neglect. To date, he has written 17 books, many of them regarded as best-sellers.