The work deals with different approaches to the problem of defining and measuring empathy. Empathy researches have followed two almost opposite directions: the first one emphasizes the cognitive aspect of empathy, empathy being defined in this case as an ability to take somebody else’s standpoint on; the other one defines empathy as an ability of vicarious experiencing somebody else’s feelings, i. c. an emotional aspect to empathy Is emphasized. In keeping with these different theoretical approaches empathy is operationalized in various ways. Some investigating empathy paradigms in experimental socio-psychological researches are described. Methodological difficultes of demonstrating experience of empathy are pointed out, as veil as of demonstrating empathy affecting behaviour, but the link between empathy and similar concepts is pointed out as well.
