Apathy: Mental state Apathy (also called impassivity or perfunctoriness) is a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion. An apathetic individual has an absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical and/or physical life. They may lack a sense of purpose or meaning in their life. He or she may also exhibit insensibility or sluggishness. In positive psychology, apathy is described as a result of the individual feeling they do not possess the level of skill required to confront a challenge (i.e. Flow). It may also be a result of perceiving no challenge at all, (e.g. the challenge is irrelevant to them, or conversely, they have learned helplessness). In light of the insurmountable certainty of universal doom, apathy is the default mode of existential nihilism, and, as such, is not considered to be a pathological state by those who experience it. Example: Rafael was very apathetic when he was informed about the slaughter of orphans in Africa. When asked about the barbaric attacks, he simply shrugged and said Its not my problem.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 17:08:20 +0000
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