Question

What term best defines feeling the suffering of another with the inclination to give support or aid?

a) Empathy
b) Sympathy
c) Apathy
d) Altruism

Answer 1

The term that describes feeling the suffering of another and wanting to help is empathy. Altruism is acting on that empathy in a selfless way to support others, without seeking personal gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term that best defines feeling the suffering of another with the inclination to give support or aid is empathy. Empathy involves making an emotional connection with another person and understanding their perspective. It allows one to feel compelled to help others. Altruism, on the other hand, refers to the selfless concern for the well-being of others, where the desire to help is not motivated by personal benefit or feeling good about oneself. Research shows that altruism involves a genuine interest in the welfare of others and can involve costs to oneself, without expecting reciprocity. Examples of altruistic behavior can be found in scenarios like helping co-workers during emergencies, such as the heroism displayed by some during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Answer 2

Empathy is the apt term as it involves both understanding and sharing the feelings of others, distinguishing it from sympathy, apathy, and altruism in the context of providing support or aid. The cognitive and affective components inherent in empathy make it the most precise choice. Therefore the correct answer is a) Empathy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Empathy, option (a), is the term that best defines feeling the suffering of another with the inclination to give support or aid. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It goes beyond mere sympathy, as it involves not only recognizing someone else's emotions but also experiencing them on some level.

Empathy is a complex emotional response that involves both cognitive and affective components. On a cognitive level, it requires understanding another person's perspective, while on an affective level, it involves sharing in their emotional experience.

Empathy is a fundamental aspect of human social interaction and plays a crucial role in building connections and fostering compassion. It enables individuals to connect with others at a deeper level and respond with kindness and support.

In contrast, sympathy (option b) involves acknowledging another person's pain without necessarily sharing in the emotional experience. Apathy (option c) is the absence of emotion or interest, while altruism (option d) pertains to selfless concern for the well-being of others, which is related but distinct from the emotional understanding inherent in empathy.

In summary, choosing empathy as the answer reflects an understanding of the emotional and cognitive dimensions involved in responding to the suffering of others, making it the most suitable term among the options provided.Therefore the correct answer is a) Empathy.