Is philosophy about being smart or good?

[Arcturus_Descending]

Artimas,

But if you are not logical, thus not reasonable, how can you reach any understanding at all? Is empathy derived from logic because it is reasonable to feel in certain situations?

There is more than one definition of understanding, isn’t there? (scratching her head )
There is the understanding which comes from a shared experience which brings on empathy. That’s emotional. I would also add that it IS more of an UNDER STANDING…more from the heart or the heart of the mind, not the intellect.
There is the understanding which comes from the intellect - the logic of understanding an equation and how it works, the intelligence which brings on the understanding of what quantum mechanics is all about. I have yet to experience that kind of understanding. lol

Is empathy derived from logic because it is reasonable to feel in certain situations?

No, empathy doesn’t come from logic. At least I do not intuit nor think that. As I think I said, logic is intellectual - empathy is emotional. I would say that empathy is derived from emotional intelligence. It comes from a place in memory (and perhaps lies and is embedded within our very cells) where our profound and poignant human experiences reside.

I think that what is “reasonable” to feel in certain situations comes from a place of both intelligence and emotion and discernment. But I wouldn’t call that empathy. Empathy to me is more of a “non-thinking” kind of “shared” flow toward someone (including an animal) based on past experience. Difficult to express what I mean.

Aside from that, intelligence can ALSO dictate what is reasonable to feel - and gives permission for it they both harmonize. Intelligence reins in emotion. where necessary. Emotional intelligence.

[Moreno]

@Artimas

But if you are not logical, thus not reasonable, how can you reach any understanding at all? Is empathy derived from logic because it is reasonable to feel in certain situations?

It depends how we are defining understanding, but animals feel empathy and do not reason their way to it. Reason can be useful to bridge confusion and inability to empathize. So it can help. But it can also hinder, when people use reason to justify not feeling empathy. Logic and reason need not start from correct premises, they are methodological. Too often they are used as synonyms for correct. In any case humans like other animals via direct perception of body language, voice tone, facial expression can feel empathy. They need no think at all. No words necessary.