Bridging empathy and altruism: An academic exploration of Gilligan's philosophy and the science of compassion

The paper examines the convergence of feminist philosophy, in particular Carol Gilligan's ethics of care, and the interdisciplinary field of compassion science. Gilligan’s work challenges traditional moral frameworks dominated by justice and autonomy, advocating for an ethics grounded in relationally, empathy, and care. Meanwhile, compassion science explores the cognitive, emotional, and social underpinnings of compassionate responses, offering empirical evidence that complements philosophical theories. By integrating these perspectives, the article explores their contributions to moral philosophy, social justice, and psychological well-being. Topics include the critique of patriarchal structures, compassion's role in altruism and fairness, and strategies for fostering self-compassion and societal care. These insights highlight the transformative potential of compassion and care in shaping more just and empathetic societies.