EMPATHY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS FROM ITS PHILOSOPHICAL ORIGINS TO CONTEMPORARY NEUROSCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Empathy is a complex psychological phenomenon whose conceptual roots date back to ancient Greek philosophy, with fundamental contributions from Aristotle and Plato. This study, based on a narrative literature review with a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach, sought to analyze the evolution of this construct from its initial formulations to its consolidation as an object of scientific investigation in the 20th century, with the seminal works of Lipps and Titchener. To this end, SciELO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other reference works were consulted, selecting materials that addressed the topic in a technical and in-depth manner, including both historical and contemporary perspectives. From a neuroscientific perspective, the analysis reveals that empathy is structured into two distinct components: the affective component, related to the ability to share emotional states and mediated by subcortical systems and mirror neurons; and the cognitive component, involving perspective-taking processes and regulated by the prefrontal cortex in conjunction with executive functions. This distinction is corroborated by studies with neurological patients, which demonstrate the functional dissociation between these components when specific brain injuries occur. A critical synthesis of the data showed that the development of empathy follows a specific maturational course: while the affective aspect emerges early, the cognitive component develops more slowly, reaching its full potential only in adulthood. Furthermore, the review identified significant gender differences, with women showing, on average, greater empathic ability throughout the life cycle. The practical applications of this construct were analyzed in three main domains: (1) in education, where it has been shown to be fundamental for moral and social development; (2) in clinical practice, serving as an important tool for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders; and (3) in the environmental field, through the concept of environmental empathy, which has shown promise for promoting sustainable behaviors. Interventions based on empathic activation, whether through emotional narratives or direct contact with nature, emerged as particularly effective strategies in the reviewed studies. We conclude that empathy, due to its multifaceted nature and well-established neurobiological foundations, has transformative potential in diverse social contexts. The analysis suggests the need for future research to explore its neural plasticity and develop evidence-based interventions, aiming to expand its positive impact on both human relationships and interactions with the environment. This review also highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for a comprehensive understanding of this complex psychological phenomenon.