sympathétikos

Sympathetikos is a Greek adjective that refers to pity or sympathy. It is derived from the Greek word sympatheia, which means "fellow feeling" or "shared emotion." In the context of ancient Greek philosophy, sympatheia was a concept used to describe the idea that humans are connected through a shared emotional and moral fabric.

In the 4th century BCE, the Greek philosopher Aristotle discussed the concept of sympatheia in his work Rhetoric. He argued that humans are capable of feeling emotions not only about their own experiences, but also about the experiences of others. This emotional connection between individuals is what allows us to feel pity or sympathy for those who are suffering.

The concept of sympatheia was also explored by the Greek physician Galen in the 2nd century CE. Galen used the term to describe the natural human tendency to experience emotional contagion, where we feel emotions in response to the emotions of others. For example, if a person witnesses a scene of great tragedy, they may feel a pang of sorrow or empathy for the individuals involved.

In modern times, the concept of sympatheia has been influential in the development of theories of empathy and emotional intelligence. While the term itself is largely out of use, the ideas and concepts surrounding it continue to be relevant in fields such as psychology, philosophy, and social sciences. Overall, sympatheia represents an important aspect of human experience and emotional connection, highlighting our capacity for compassion and understanding towards others.