SEEC

Center for Science and Education of Empathy and Compassion

UC San Diego

Compassion and empathy, fundamental virtues for the success of communal living and ultimately the survival of the human race, have long captivated the interest of scholars, philosophers, theologians, and policy makers.

But what is empathy? What is compassion? Why are some people more empathic and compassionate than others? And how can we enhance empathy and compassion in our world?

Our goal is to unite the scientific and lay community to investigate the neural basis for empathy and compassion, and use the insights we gain to improve people's capacity to be empathetic and compassionate.

Established in 2012, the Center for Science and Education of Empathy and Compassion (SEEC) is a collaboration of scientists and lay members of the community who are committed to understanding the brain's role in and developing ways to increase empathy and compassion