The Science of Compassion 6/23

Carly Yuenger

Today's show features two perspectives on the nature of compassion--religion and science. Professor James Doty is the founder and director of The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and Thubten Chodron is a Buddhist nun and founder of Sravasti Abby in Eastern Washington State.

It is promising to think that we might be able to find through science what makes us good and giving individuals. At the same time, would such a discovery take away from the idea that compassion and altruism are traits that we must work to acquire, such as through the Buddhist practice of meditation? What are your thoughts on the relationship between the religious and scientific perspectives on benevolence? Share your thoughts below by adding a comment or leave us a voicemail at 1-877-GLOBE-07

And be sure to check out today's show if you missed it. As always, you can link to the work of our guests at the webpage for today's show. There you'll also find more information about the Interfaith Retreat that Thubten Chodron is hosting in July.