Final answer:
The 'paradox of empathy' as described by Paul Bloom pertains to the idea that empathy, typically seen as beneficial for social relations and altruism, can also lead to partiality and emotional distress, and raises questions about the true motivations for empathetic behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Paul Bloom refers to the paradox of empathy, he is pointing out the complex and often conflicting nature of empathy as a psychological concept. He suggests that while empathy is traditionally viewed as a purely positive trait that contributes to altruism, it also has a darker side that can result in biased, partial, and sometimes negative outcomes. For example, empathy might cause one to help individuals they feel emotionally connected to while neglecting or ignoring the needs of those they don't, leading to partiality. Moreover, the strong emotional resonance that comes with empathy can be overwhelming and counterproductive, as it can lead to distress rather than constructive action. In addition, there is debate about whether actions driven by empathy are truly altruistic or, as some researchers argue, ultimately self-serving since people derive pleasure from helping and feeling good about themselves.