Mencius and Hutcheson on Empathy-based Benevolence

The purpose of this article is to clarify that, although Mencius and Hutcheson are interpreted as "moral sentimentalists," benevolence may not be rooted purely in feelings sentiments. On my reading, Mencian-Hutchesonian thought experiments invite us use our rational capacity engage cognitively elaborated forms empathy, which refer complex processes that require simulation, perspective taking, initiation on behalf the agent herself.