The Virtue of Compassion

Abstract

In the history of political thought compassion is a concept that has garnered positive attention from some while being critiqued and dismissed by others. This has meant that while there has been an enduring interest in compassion, the concept remains inherently contested. The condition in which compassion finds itself can readily be identified. A number of Western philosophers have placed compassion as central to morality. Compassion forms a cornerstone of theological morality, most notably within Christianity and Buddhism. However, compassion has certainly had its critics, as exemplified in Nietzche's treatment of compassion (Mitleid) as essentially self-serving.