It depends on the person. Ethics are not dependent on feelings. In fact, the way feelings are generated is a direct result of thought.

Somewhere, many years ago, a book was written that indicated that the more intelligent a person was, the more ethical they were. You cannot be benevolent with an ethical framework. You can, however, be both compassionaate and empathetic without an ounce of understanding, and do nothing about it.

I find empathy patronizing, but that is based on my own experience of it.

You've provided a link to your own article. That is not scientific research. I read research papers. Can I have the link to the abstract? You said there were several.

There is currently a whole push to 'sell' empathy' just the way there was a whole push to sell 'EQ.'

I want the hard science. Thanks.