Leiden University Student Repository

Jakubiec, Justyna (2020)

The forgotten art of empathy: Retrieving an empathic approach in medicine

Bachelor thesis | Kunstgeschiedenis (BA)

The concept of empathy emerged at the end of the nineteenth century and described an emotional aspect of aesthetic experience. In the context of art, empathy was supposed to enable an art lover to experience art more deeply or even merge one’s emotional life with the artwork’s motivation and meaning. On the other hand, empathy, as connected to the arts, represented a chance of improving one’s empathic reactions, both towards the artwork as well as towards other human beings. Although very beneficial, this outlook on empathy has been lost, and the meaning of the term has changed significantly. Empathy, which is especially visible in the realm of medicine, turned into an instrument used for the collection of knowledge on the patient. Despite the change in its meaning, empathy can be successfully reconsidered with the help of art.

Empathy

Einfühlung

Medicine

Instrumentalization

Rationalization

Art

Reconsideration

Contemplation

Author

Jakubiec, Justyna

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Arts, Media and Society

Supervisors

Bertens, Laura

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en