The Nature of Compassion

This chapter provides the theoretical and historical foundation for examining the structures of compassion. It analyzes theories of compassion developed by Aristotle, Nussbaum, and Whitebrook that support approaching emotions as historically and culturally contingent constructions. Based on models developed by these scholars, compassion is defined here as the affective participation in another’s experience, registered through modifications in affect or perception or through acts to improve the condition of others, which may be exhibited through an encouraging word, a supporting action, or a caring gesture recognizing that other individuals are experiencing difficulty.