| Abstract: |
The mirror-neuron system (MNS) becomes instigated when the spectator
empathizes with the principal’s intention. MNS also involves imitation, where
empathy is irrelevant. While the former may attenuate the principal’s emotion,
the latter paradoxically reinforces it. This paper proposes a solution of the
contradictory attenuation/reinforcement functions of fellow-feeling by
distinguishing two axes: “rationality axis” concerns whether the action is
efficient or suboptimal; “intentionality axis” concerns whether the intention
is “wellbeing” or “evil.” The solution shows how group solidarity differs from
altruism and fairness; how revulsion differs from squeamishness; how
malevolence differs from selfishness; and how racial hatred differs from
racial segregation. |