Is empathy characterised by neurons rather than free choice? Mirror neurons are still in discussion

Brain activation in criminals with psychopathy was greater when asked to empathise (foreground) source: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-23431793

Empathy, described as an ability to understand and feel others, can help us to behave appropritely in daily social context. We can make inferences on another person’s well-being by observing the person how to deal with everyday situation. We do not expect a person to joke or laugh during a funeral, we expect a sad facial…