Autism and the Two Kinds of Empathy (Robert Wright & Simon Baron-Cohen)

In this episode of the Nonzero Podcast, Robert Wright interviews Simon Baron-Cohen, a clinical psychologist and professor at Cambridge, about his work on empathy and autism. They discuss Baron-Cohen's early research on theory of mind and its relation to autism, the distinction between cognitive and emotional empathy, and the neurodiversity movement. The conversation touches on Elon Musk, the relationship between power and cognitive empathy, and the potential for empathy to play a role in conflict resolution. They also address the importance of cultivating empathy in schools and society to promote inclusivity and understanding, particularly towards autistic individuals.