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Discussion on: Does programming require empathy?

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bennypowers profile image
Benny Powers 🇮🇱🇨🇦

No, but success in life does. You can build anything with or without love, but I know which house I'd rather live in, which meal I'd rather eat.

There is such a thing as a spiteful genius, though. Kind of person you'd like to hear their sonatas but wouldn't want to share a drink with... or let near your kids...

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mortoray profile image
edA‑qa mort‑ora‑y

I don't think empathy implies love. It's possible to understand how others feel without having any attachment to them. I think this was researched in regards to psychopaths, who may actually have a strong empathy ability, but can emotionally distance themself.

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bennypowers profile image
Benny Powers 🇮🇱🇨🇦

So you're saying we should optimize CS curriculum to ethical psychopaths ;)

Jokes aside, I think that's fair.