A Summary of the Theory of Sympathy

Abstract

The heuristic value of the tentative theory of sympathy set forth in the preceding chapters will hopefully be seen in the research it has encouraged. For now, however, a brief review of the theory may be helpful. It must be emphasized again that sympathy is a complicated phenomenon, and that this tentative theory of sympathy is only a first approximation of a fuller theory of sympathy, including specific hypotheses for testing. In this chapter I will briefly review the theory, indicate some paradoxes inherent in it, and try to put both into perspective.