Han Sang-yeon: The Ontology of Empathy

We can only be true in a relationship of empathy that discovers and affirms each other's uniqueness. Compassion is not a derivative feeling that comes from the fact that you and I have the same world view in the sense of being able to do so. Even though we may have different world views, and we hate each other and not love each other, we are always sympathetic. Because our existence is nothing but a unique being that can't be reduced to anything. That's why we can't even force love on each other. Paradoxically, the best love we can ever have is just letting each other exist as themselves. Only in these terms can our love not lead to redemption for each other, but to true freedom. Because the most fundamental emotion in a person is empathy, not love.

Korean title: 공감의 존재론

Korean author: 한상연

Korean publisher: 세창미디어

ISBN-13: 9788984117341