# Simulation, projection and empathy - Dan Zahavi **Keywords:** Simulation, theory of mind, empathy, phenomenology, social cognition, intersubjectivity, Scheler **Abstract:** Simulationists have recently started to employ the term "empathy" when characterizing our most basic understanding of other minds. I agree that empathy is crucial, but I think it is being misconstrued by the simulationists. Using some ideas to be found in Scheler's classical discussion of empathy, I will argue for a different understanding of the notion. More specifically, I will argue that there are basic levels of interpersonal understanding - in particular the understanding of emotional expressions - that are not explicable in terms of simulation-plus-projection routines. **Authors:** [[Dan Zahavi]]