The biology of empathy/social neuroscience

The research on mirror neurons, imitation, and empathy, tells us that the evolutionary process made us wired for empathy, and that our biology is behind our ability to empathize – a building block of our sociality.

We are social beings. Our survival depends on our understanding the actions, intentions, and emotions of others.

Mirror neurons allow us to understand other people’s mind.

Mirror neurons enable us to “simulate” not just other people’s actions, but the intentions and emotions behind those actions.

Instead of our brains using logical thought processes to interpret and predict other people’s actions, we understand others – not by thinking, but by feeling.

Humans have a strong tendency to align their behavior with their fellows during social interactions.

Imitation facilitates social interactions, increases connectedness and liking, gets people closer to each other, and fosters mutual care.