Reconstructing empathy – phenomenological and social neuroscientific perspectives

Purpose This study aims to provide an interdisciplinary overview of empathy by tracing its historical conceptualisation and examining its contemporary theoretical, empirical and societal implications. It highlights how different disciplines contribute to ongoing debates about the meaning, measurement and value of empathy. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual and integrative review method is used, drawing on philosophical inquiry, psychological theory, developmental research and social neuroscience studies. Key models, empirical evidence and contrasting perspectives are synthesised to offer a coherent understanding of empathy’s evolution and current status. Findings This review identifies empathy as a multidimensional construct involving affective, cognitive and self-regulatory components. It reveals conceptual tensions regarding the empathy–morality link, the balance between emotional sharing and self–other distinction and the limits of neuroscientific reductionism. The analysis underscores phenomenological studies are closer to the real-life experience of empathy than neuroscientific studies, for when empathy is experienced it is experienced as a response, not as a neurological event in the brain. Research limitations/implications As a conceptual review, this study does not include meta-analytic comparisons or primary empirical data. Future research should adopt longitudinal, cross-cultural and ecologically valid approaches to further clarify empathy’s mechanisms and outcomes. Practical implications A refined understanding of empathy can inform mental health practices, educational interventions, leadership development and conflict resolution strategies by strengthening prosocial behaviour and relational well-being. Social implications Empathy plays a vital role in reducing stigma, fostering inclusion and enhancing social cohesion. Interdisciplinary research on empathy can guide policies and programs that promote fairness, compassion and human dignity in diverse communities. Originality/value This study bridges philosophical, psychological and neuroscientific insights to present a unified account of empathy and its significance in 21st-century society, addressing conceptual challenges that future research must overcome.