Brooks Lecture Series: "The Secret Dangers of Empathy," presented by Karen Davis, associate professor of psychology, Moffett Center, Room 115, 4:30 p.m. A reception to welcome speakers precedes each talk at 4 p.m. in the adjacent Brooks Museum. The events are free and open to the public.
Details: The university’s 2023-24 Rozanne M. Brooks Lecture Series themed on “Secrets and Mysteries” will include planned lectures throughout the academic year.
The Secret Dangers of Empathy — Empathy usually has such positive associations. Karen Davis, a SUNY Cortland associate professor of psychology, will explore how extreme forms of empathy contribute to violent behavior. “Although research has shown that a lack of empathy increases risk for criminal behavior, there is a growing recognition that possessing empathy does not necessarily prevent violence and may be central to why some individuals engage in criminal behavior,” Davis said. Her talk will highlight the potential secret dangers of this trait.