What does the empathy-altruism hypothesis propose?

The empathy-altruism hypothesis suggests that the experience of empathy for another individual can lead to a genuine desire to help that person, fostering altruistic behavior. This hypothesis posits that when we empathize with someone, we are able to understand and share in their feelings, which can motivate us to act in ways that benefit them, even at a cost to ourselves. This idea supports the view that altruistic actions can arise from emotional connections, rather than being solely driven by self-interest or competitive motivations. The concept emphasizes the role of emotional understanding in promoting pro-social behavior, highlighting that our capacity to empathize can lead to actions that prioritize the well-being of others.