If we want to help alleviate or prevent suffering, we need a language to talk about empathy, compassion, and learning in an informed and nuanced manner – in other words, a “glossary” or a “list of terms in a particular domain of knowledge”. That is why I have begun to create this section. The primary motivation for me was to learn about these topics myself and articulate my own perspective – but I do hope that the glossary may also prove helpful to others. It is a work in progress that I will update as I find time and inspiration.
This glossary is not based on original research. It also does not aim to provide an academic overview of the state of knowledge in a particular field. Instead, its aim is to share my own perspectives as a European citizen who also feels at home in Asia. In presenting my perspectives, I do attempt to synthesize existing research and ongoing debates in fields such as psychology, philosophy, economics and education, but I also draw on my own subjective experience. My choice of topics and of the sources I draw on is necessarily informed by my own interests and my current state of knowledge – and I am doing this as a side project on top of a full-time job. Therefore, please enjoy at your own risk and give me constructive feedback. In particular, if you are an author of the work I am summarizing and you feel I am misrepresenting you, please let me know and I will edit the article as necessary.
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