Politics of Compassion

Kathryn Murphy

Introduction: Within the Politics of Compassion, I am looking to explore situations in which actions with roots in compassion are problematic. Although people may have altruistic intentions, their efforts may sometimes fail to help, or even sometimes harm, the people they wish to aid. In other circumstances, acts that appear to be compassion-based, seeking to alleviate the suffering of others, may instead be rooted in self-interest. In what ways could disguised self-interest be beneficial or harmful to those receiving aid? How can those acting with compassion more accurately ensure the alleviation of suffering?