Meeting  Agenda Template

1. ( ) Turn on Recording

2. ( ) Turn on  Zoom AI

3. ( ) Vision and Intention: Build the Empathy Movement to make mutual empathy a core cultural value.

4. ( ) Intention for the Definition Study Team: Develop the Wholistic Empathy Definition Model

This Meeting

1. ( ) New person may join.  Rosa Abdelnour -  I am a lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and a negotiators, mediators and arbitrators trainer. The core of my courses are how to teach people to be empathetic, increase their possibility of negotiate and learn to listen carefully first and take perspective and don´t push a negotiation and try to force a settlement in a win-lose path. 

2. ( ) Review Last part of Jodie's Slideshow

3. ( ) Review Edwin's Project TO DO - discuss

4. ( ) 

Post Meeting

1. ( ) Document Meeting 

2. ( ) Post Zoom AI Report

3. ( ) Upload Video to Otter.AI, create transcript and Summary, post to this page.

4. ( ) Upload Video to YouTube

5.  

Action Items for adding to Definition Presentation

• 1. [ ] 

  2. [ ] 

  3. [ ] 

2025-03-25 - Definition Project

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/lQ4a-Im8iDGo8L_Efy_WCe82l-0?view=transcript

The meeting focused on defining and promoting empathy, particularly between autistic and neurotypical individuals. Speaker 2 discussed their research on empathy, highlighting the "double empathy problem" and the use of neuroscientific and artistic methods to bridge cognitive differences. Edwin Rutsch introduced the Empathy Center's mission to foster mutual empathy, mentioning projects like the Empathy Circle and the Empathy Tent. Participants shared personal experiences and perspectives, emphasizing the transformative power of empathy in overcoming societal and personal challenges. The discussion also touched on the importance of clear definitions of empathy and the potential for empathy to create connections and understanding.

Action Items

• [ ] Continue developing the "holistic empathy" definition model.

• [ ] Invite more diverse perspectives to the Tuesday meetings to avoid rehashing the same topics.

• [ ] Explore the overlap between empathy circles and group therapy, and how the group consciousness that emerges can be profound.

Outline

Introduction and Background of Speaker 2

• Speaker 2 introduces themselves, mentioning their background in neuroscience and their research on sensory processing in autism.

• The focus of their research has shifted to studying empathy and facilitating empathy between autistic and neurotypical people.

• Speaker 2 discusses the concept of the "double empathy problem," where both autistic and neurotypical people struggle to empathize with each other.

• They explain that the root of the double empathy problem lies in the different ways autistic and neurotypical people process sensory information and allocate attention.

Methods and Collaborations

• Speaker 2 describes using neuroscientific methods, along with qualitative and quantitative approaches, to understand the minds of autistic and neurotypical people.

• They have started collaborating with artists to visually represent the minds of autistic and neurotypical individuals, aiming to help people see the similarities and differences between them.

• Upcoming projects include a storytelling event where autistic people will take the stage to share their stories, providing a window into their minds.

• Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of visual art in making these representations accessible and understandable.

Edwin Rutsch's Introduction and Empathy Center

• Edwin Rutsch introduces himself and mentions his work with the Empathy Center, a nonprofit focused on making mutual empathy a primary social and cultural value.

• The Empathy Center has various projects, including training curricula, an empathy tent for street listening, and the Empathy Circle, a practice based on Carl Rogers' active listening.

• Edwin shares an example of using the Empathy Circle with a psychopathic individual, highlighting its effectiveness.

• He expresses curiosity about how the Empathy Circle might work with autistic and neurotypical people.

Defining Empathy and Empathy Circle Practice

• Edwin asks Speaker 2 for their definition of empathy, noting the complexity and confusion surrounding the term.

• Speaker 2 shares their thoughts on empathy, describing it as a two-person endeavor where cognitive environments align or synchronize.

• They discuss the distinction between cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and empathic concern or compassion.

• Edwin and Speaker 2 agree on the importance of understanding these different aspects of empathy and how they relate to each other.

Empathy Circle Roles and Practice

• Edwin explains the roles in an Empathy Circle: speaker, active listener, silent listeners, facilitator, and timekeeper.

• The speaker selects their listener, and the active listener reflects back their understanding of what the speaker has said.

• The practice involves taking turns, with each person becoming the speaker and selecting a new listener.

• Edwin emphasizes the importance of active listening and reflecting back to ensure understanding.

Personal Definitions and Experiences of Empathy

• Jodie Jenson shares her background in international development and her experience with compassion devoid of empathy.

• She discusses the importance of understanding another person's perspective and how this aligns with the Empathy Center's goals.

• William Kingsbury expresses his interest in learning more about the neuroscientific work on empathy and his background in psychology and Buddhism.

• Garrett shares their background in audiology and neuroscience and their interest in building empathy between autistic and neurotypical people.

Challenges and Benefits of Empathy

• Bill Filler, a retired special education teacher, shares his experiences working with autistic children and the importance of connection.

• He emphasizes the need for tools to help autistic individuals understand and adapt to social interactions.

• Daniel Hirtz discusses the challenges of empathy in spiritual communities and the importance of taking responsibility for one's own emotions.

• Edwin and Speaker 2 discuss the transformative power of empathy and how it can create connection and understanding.

Empathy and Political Perspectives

• Speaker 2 shares their experience with their parents adopting extreme political views influenced by Fox News.

• They discuss the damage that can result from adopting a one-sided perspective and the importance of listening to opposing ideas.

• William Kingsbury reflects on the value of empathy in healing and understanding divergent perspectives.

• The group discusses the challenges of empathizing with negative or extreme perspectives and the importance of maintaining an open mind.

Empathy and Autism

• Jodie Jenson brings up the recent comments by Elon Musk about empathy and its impact on society.

• They discuss the potential influence of Musk's autism diagnosis on his views and the broader implications for empathy.

• The group reflects on the importance of understanding and valuing empathy, especially in the context of autism.

• Edwin emphasizes the need for clear definitions of empathy to avoid misunderstandings and promote mutual understanding.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

• Edwin invites participants to join future meetings and emphasizes the importance of building a movement for empathy.

• The group discusses the benefits of practicing empathy regularly and the potential for rewiring the brain through empathy exercises.

• William Kingsbury reflects on the overlap between group therapy and empathy circles and the emergence of group consciousness.

• The meeting concludes with a commitment to continue exploring and promoting empathy through various practices and collaborations.

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Summary

In a recent meeting centered on empathy, participants engaged in discussions about the importance of understanding the distinct emotional and sensory processing styles of autistic and neurotypical individuals. One attendee, a neuroscience researcher from BYU, introduced the “double empathy problem,” indicating that both groups may find it challenging to empathize with one another due to their differing ways of interpreting sensory information. The conversation stressed the necessity of bridging these cognitive gaps, suggesting a combination of neuroscientific methods and creative arts to foster better mutual understanding.

Further, the introduction of The Empathy Center indicated a commitment to enhancing empathy as a cultural value through various initiatives, including empathy training and structured “empathy circles” designed to facilitate active listening and deeper understanding among participants. The meeting underscored the complex nature of defining empathy, with discussions emphasizing the need for clearer definitions that serve both practical and educational purposes. Personal experiences shared by attendees highlighted that autistic individuals can indeed connect emotionally when given proper tools and understanding.

As the dialogue unfolded, participants reflected on their personal definitions of empathy, likening it to a binding force in relationships, similar to molecular attraction. There were critiques surrounding the misconception that absorbing others’ negative emotions leads to personal pollution; instead, participants argued that individuals should take accountability for their own feelings. The discussion illustrated how empathy involves both listening and understanding, rather than needing to reach agreement.

Towards the end, the group acknowledged challenges tied to engaging in empathy circles but noted that such practices cultivate deeper neural connections over time, enhancing empathetic responses. Citing a study about preferences for emotionally neutral activities over empathetic engagement, they suggested focusing on the relational benefits of empathy could foster broader participation. Ultimately, the group aimed to create a culture of empathy that is accessible and impactful, promoting mutual understanding and a sense of community.

Highlights

🧠 Exploration of the “double empathy problem”: Highlights the mutual difficulties autistic and neurotypical individuals face in empathizing with each other due to different sensory processing.

🎨 Integration of art and science: The collaboration with artists aims to visually portray empathy research, using creative storytelling to promote deeper understanding.

🌍 The role of The Empathy Center: This nonprofit is dedicated to making empathy a cultural value through training programs and structured dialogues.

🎧 Empathy circles for deeper connections: A structured practice allowing individuals to listen and reflect on each other’s experiences of empathy, fostering greater understanding.

🔄 Personal and emotional responsibility: The discussion emphasizes that individuals should own their emotions rather than blaming others for how they feel.

💬 Need for clarity in definitions: Participants call for better definitions of empathy that are more accessible and applicable to varied experiences.

🕊️ Vision for an empathic society: The aspiration to create a culture of empathy that fosters community and understanding across diverse perspectives.

Key Insights

🤝 Double Empathy Problem: The “double empathy problem” is a crucial concept that illustrates mutual barriers in empathizing, pointing to the need for educational initiatives that highlight both perspectives in interactions between autistic and neurotypical individuals. Understanding this issue can shape better communication strategies and empathy training frameworks.

🎨 Creative Approaches to Empathy: Leveraging the arts to express scientific findings enables more accessible interpretations of empathy research. This creative integration can engage wider audiences and facilitate empathetic understanding in diverse formats, bridging gaps between different communities.

🌟 Empathy as a Cultural Initiative: The formation of nonprofits like The Empathy Center points toward systemic approaches to cultivate empathy as a societal norm, suggesting that structured programs can effectively alter the cultural landscape to prioritize understanding and support.

🗣️ The Value of Listening: Active listening, practiced within empathy circles, highlights the importance of understanding different narratives without necessarily agreeing, indicating that empathy can thrive even amid disagreement, which can help heal societal divisions.

🌪️ Dealing with Emotional Labor: The recognition of personal emotional responsibility encourages individuals to process their feelings authentically rather than projecting them onto others, advocating for healthier interpersonal dynamics.

🔎 Complexity in Definitions of Empathy: The ongoing discussions regarding cognitive versus affective empathy suggest the necessity of clearer definitions that can serve practical applications, aiding individuals in navigating emotional interactions more effectively.

🕊️ Emphasis on Relational Benefits: The research suggesting preferences for less emotionally engaging activities emphasizes the need to present empathy practice as beneficial for relational dynamics, which may motivate wider participation and engagement in empathic dialogues.