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Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology
2016. Vol. 5, no. 4, 59–66
https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2016050406
ISSN: 2304-4977 (online)

What is empathy: cognitive concepts and models

 
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Abstract

Empathy is a complex and diverse indispensable mechanism in human interaction. It enables co-feel and mentally model what another person feels at the moment. For better understanding, empathy can be thought of as the ability to feel the consequences of some experience, not feeling it in reality, but just watching. The main consequences of this mechanism are our ability to imitate and understand the other person. The first helps in development and learning, and the second is indispensable in communication with other people. Studies of empathy are segmental and not well coordinated. Existing works offer different types and typology of systems of empathy. Yet, bringing new insights into certain areas, they do not create an integral picture. What are the available types& Are they simple analytically different ways of consideration of one system or are they different neuro-biological systems? If they are different systems, what is the extent to which they are linked and whether they form integral super-system? This article tries to answer these questions.

General Information

Keywords: emotional and cognitive empathy, accepting someone else's position, mirror neurons, imitation, racial prejudice, connectivism

Journal rubric: Neurosciences and Cognitive Studies

OpenAlex citations: 3

OpenAlex trends: Action Observation and Synchronization, Language, Metaphor, and Cognition, Child and Animal Learning Development

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Number of citations: 3

Topics

Action Observation and Synchronization

This cluster of papers explores the concept of embodied cognition, focusing on the role of the mirror neuron system, neural mechanisms underlying action observation, social cognition, language comprehension, and interpersonal synchrony. The research delves into how the motor system and embodiment influence social interaction and understanding of intentions.

Number of works: 45748  |  Total number of citations: 1108570

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Language, Metaphor, and Cognition

This cluster of papers explores the metaphorical representation of time in language and cognition, investigating the influence of language on conceptualizations of time, the role of embodiment and spatial metaphors in understanding time, and the neural basis of understanding metaphoric expressions related to time. It also delves into cross-cultural differences in mental representations of time and the impact of metaphor on reasoning and communication.

Number of works: 142455  |  Total number of citations: 1609852

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Child and Animal Learning Development

This cluster of papers explores the development of theory of mind in children, focusing on topics such as social cognition, infant understanding, cultural learning, executive function, false belief understanding, joint attention, and language development.

Number of works: 60299  |  Total number of citations: 1783132

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Work details in OpenAlex

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2016050406

Published

For citation: Ermolova, M.Y. (2016). What is empathy: cognitive concepts and models. Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 5(4), 59–66. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2016050406

© Ermolova M.Y., 2016

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Mariya Y. Ermolova, first year Master student, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Moscow, Russian Federation, e-mail: ermmmaria@gmail.com

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