Action Items for adding to Definition Presentation
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Meeting Agenda Template
( ) Turn on Recording
( ) Turn on Zoom AI
( ) Vision and Intention: Build the Empathy Movement to make mutual empathy a core cultural value.
( ) Intention for the Definition Study Team: Develop and document the Wholistic Empathy Definition Model
This Meeting
( ) Review Edwin's Project TO DO - discuss
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Post Meeting
( ) Document Meeting
( ) Post Zoom AI Report
( ) Upload Video to Otter.AI, create transcript and Summary, post to this page.
( ) Upload Video to YouTube
Zoom Meeting summary for Edwin Rutsch's Personal Meeting Room (04/15/2025)
Quick recap
Edwin and Jodie discussed the possibility of organizing an empathy summit in November, with Jodie expressing interest in participating and offering to send Edwin an application. They also discussed the importance of empathy in bridging ideological divides and creating a movement, and the need for a practical approach to empathy. The conversation ended with a discussion on their ongoing project, which involves editing a website and developing a holistic definition model for empathy, and the challenges of balancing academic work with outward-facing projects.
Next steps
• Jodie to watch Dan Zahavi's video on "The Empathy Trap" before next week's meeting.
• Jodie to review Edwin's current slideshow presentation on empathy definitions.
• Edwin and Jodie to work through Edwin's presentation on empathy definitions during next week's meeting.
• Jodie to consider how her research and presentation can complement Edwin's slideshow.
• Edwin to continue refining the slideshow presentation for the May 24th Global Empathy Summit.
• Edwin and Jodie to address how the affective-cognitive empathy model fits into their holistic empathy concept.
• Edwin to keep Jodie updated on the potential 2-hour empathy circle at the Global Empathy Summit.
• Edwin to consider developing a training based on the empathy definition presentation.
• Edwin to continue working on the "Defining Holistic Empathy" content on the website.
Summary
Empathy Summit Expansion Discussion
Edwin and Jodie discussed the possibility of organizing an empathy summit in November. Jodie expressed interest in participating and offered to send Edwin an application. They also discussed the idea of expanding the summit to include more people working on empathy, beyond their current community. Edwin shared past successful events, including a series of author talks, and mentioned the possibility of a future summit focused on building the empathy movement.
Empathy Circle for Ideological Bridges
Edwin and Jodie discussed the importance of empathy in bridging ideological divides and creating a movement. They acknowledged the fear of contamination from opposing ideologies and the need for a safe space where everyone's voice is heard. They also discussed the challenges of engaging with extreme groups and the potential of the empathy circle to foster understanding. Jodie praised Edwin's high goals and commitment to positive change. They agreed on the need for a practical approach to empathy, moving away from abstract frameworks and focusing on the relational aspect. They ended the conversation with a discussion on their next steps to be effective and efficient.
Project Development and Empathy Summit
Edwin and Jodie discussed their ongoing project, which involves editing a website and developing a holistic definition model for empathy. They discussed the need for more knowledgeable participants and the possibility of collaborating with Susan Lanzoni, who has written a book on the history of empathy. They also discussed the creation of a slideshow presentation to share at the empathy summit and other settings. Jodie suggested using AI tools to improve the aesthetics of the presentation.
Edwin's Global Empathy Summit Plans
Edwin discussed his upcoming participation in the Global Empathy Summit, where he plans to present on the definition of empathy. He also mentioned the possibility of needing facilitators for an online empathy circle. Jodie expressed interest in participating if the event was a 2-hour commitment. Edwin also shared his plans to interview critics of empathy, including a professor who wrote an article blaming empathy for radicalization. Jodie agreed that one-sided empathy is detrimental, but emphasized the importance of advocating for holistic empathy.
Balancing Academia and Public Engagement
Jodie discusses the challenges of balancing academic work with outward-facing projects, expressing frustration with academia's disincentives for public engagement. She and Edwin agree to review his presentation slides at their next meeting, with Jodie offering to contribute insights from her research. They also discuss the importance of defining empathy and addressing popular models like affective-cognitive empathy. Jodie shares her current workload and expresses concern about overcommitting, while acknowledging the alignment between this project and her personal research goals.
Empathy in Philosophy and Work
In the meeting, Jodie and Edwin discussed the importance of empathy in their work, particularly in relation to philosophy. They talked about the need to understand the other person as an amazing individual and the consequences of seeing others as less than human. They also discussed the work of Dan Sahavi and the Empathy Trap, and the influence of Martin Buber's philosophy. Jodie suggested that they work on Edwin's presentation on definitions and consider developing a training program to test their ideas. They also discussed the possibility of writing a book based on their work.
https://otter.ai/u/vlKrrZVbI4bH9iZpggVIOx5Cahw?view=summary
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discussed the concept of holistic empathy and its application in group settings, drawing parallels to music and its predictable yet unpredictable patterns. They planned Jodie's participation in an empathy summit in November, highlighting the importance of building an empathy movement. Edwin shared details of a previous summit with 44 book authors, including Simon Baron-Cohen and Carla McLaren. They emphasized the need for a holistic definition of empathy, addressing the affective-cognitive model, and the potential for a training program. Jodie's academic commitments and timelines were also discussed, aiming for a balanced approach to their collaborative work.
[ ] Review and provide feedback on the current slideshow presentation on the holistic empathy model.
[ ] Watch the video of Dan Zahavi's presentation on the "empathy trap" and provide feedback.
[ ] Explore turning the slideshow presentation into an interactive training that includes role-playing and empathy circle exercises.
[ ] Determine a realistic timeline for developing a book or other publication on the holistic empathy model.
Jodie Jenson discusses the idea of interviewing people about their experiences with collective effervescence and holistic empathy.
Edwin Rutsch emphasizes the importance of understanding group feelings and the concept of holistic empathy.
Jodie Jenson draws a parallel between group feelings and music, highlighting the predictable and unpredictable patterns in group dynamics.
Edwin Rutsch mentions the need for an application for a spot left in a summit and provides details about the application process.
Edwin Rutsch talks about the possibility of squeezing in another summit in October to promote the empathy movement.
Jodie Jenson expresses interest in participating in the summit and mentions her availability in November.
Edwin Rutsch explains the goal of the summit to build a body of work around the empathy circle and its effectiveness.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss the importance of recruiting outside the community and the potential impact of the empathy summit.
Edwin Rutsch shares details about a previous summit in January that featured 44 book authors and top empathy experts.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss notable participants like Simon Baron-Cohen, Carla McLaren, and Glen Sony.
Edwin Rutsch highlights the importance of creating a movement around the empathy circle and the need for a collaborative approach.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss the challenges of polarization and the fear of ideological contamination in group dynamics.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss the fear component of ideological threats and the attraction of echo chambers.
Edwin Rutsch emphasizes the importance of feeling heard in empathy circles and the need for inclusive group dynamics.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch talk about the challenges faced by extreme groups like Christian fundamentalists and Antifa.
Edwin Rutsch shares his approach of meeting people where they are and helping them understand the importance of empathy.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss the need for a project team with academic backgrounds and practical experience.
Edwin Rutsch mentions Susan Lanzoni's interest in writing a book on the definition of empathy and the importance of historical context.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch talk about the challenges of finding task-oriented participants and the potential for a productive duo.
Edwin Rutsch shares his ongoing discussions with empathy experts and the feedback received on the holistic empathy model.
Edwin Rutsch discusses the need to develop a holistic definition of empathy and the challenges of mapping the standard model of affective-cognitive empathy.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch talk about the importance of addressing the limitations of the standard model and the need for a more comprehensive approach.
Edwin Rutsch mentions the feedback received from Lou Augusta and the potential for a collaborative book project.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss the importance of aligning philosophically with the amazing nature of human beings and the consequences of seeing others as less than human.
Jodie Jenson and Edwin Rutsch discuss the need to set realistic timelines and manage expectations for their projects.
Edwin Rutsch emphasizes the importance of following energy and excitement in their work and the need for incremental progress.
Jodie Jenson shares her personal research goals and the challenges of balancing academic and outward-facing projects.
Edwin Rutsch and Jodie Jenson discuss the potential for a training program that incorporates interactive elements and role-playing to test and refine their ideas.