The number 1 source of information for the global compassion movement!
The ideas on this web site are to be considered the intellectual property of W. David Hoisington, Ph. D., unless another author is cited. Please cite the author, date and website when using this information in other documents.
The Science of Compassion - Wisdom in Hand with Empathy
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© 2011 - Compassion Information Institute. All rights reserved.
Inspired by Karen Armstrong's book "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life"
First Posted October, 2011
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.
Develop a definition of compassion that is consistent with the broad spectrum of compassion phenomena across society. The science of compassion needs to have a reasonable definition to support construct validity.
Construct a set of assumptions about compassion consistent with the spectrum of observed phenomena. In developing both research and teaching/training programs it is necessary to have these based on sound theoretical assumptions about the phenomena being investigated.
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.
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.
It is possible that Academia.edu could be used initially for this purpose.
The study of teaching compassion is the main focus of the Compassion Information Institute.
