Author: W. David Hoisington, Ph. D.
Proposing that we, as a society, develop and promote a science of compassion is a worthy goal, but how do we get there? No such science currently exists. We can draw from ideas in religion and philosophy (see Armstrong's book), but there is little in the way of "science". What follows are suggestions to help us move toward a science of compassion along with links to progress being made.
Toward a Science of Compassion
Inspired by Karen Armstrong's book "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life"
First Posted October, 2011
Develop a definition of compassion that is consistent with the broad spectrum of compassion phenomena across society.
Construct a set of assumptions about compassion consistent with the spectrum of observed phenomena.
Describe the features associated with the spectrum of compassion phenomena, including the development of consistent terminology.
Complete research projects that elaborate on the defintion of compassion, the assumptions about compassion, and the features of compassion.
Create a forum where compassion scholars and teachers can openly share their findings.
Explore how to teach compassion across the lifespan and across diverse setings. This is to include the development of college classes on compassion.
Compassion Definition
Compassion Assumptions
Compassion Descriptions
Compassion Research
Community of Scholars
Teaching Compassion
This entire website is aimed at helping others teach about compassion, as well as helping people who visit the site learn about compassion. There are multiple resources and the links can be found off the home page. The efficacy of these programs has yet to be established. Important links are below.
Please site the author, date and website if you use information from this webpage.
