Transcript Is there a role for EMOTION in ETHICS?

Is there a role for EMOTION in ETHICS?
The Traditional Rejection of a Role
for Emotion in Ethics
• There is a long history of dividing
reason from emotion and arguing that
“emotion” has no place in those tasks
that require reasoning.
Two examples:
• In Plato’s Crito Socrates argues that our
decisions should be based on reason
rather than emotion.
• Kant argues that emotions detract [or at
least don’t add] to the moral worth of an
action.
Problems Seen with Including Emotions in
Ethical Analysis
• Emotions only connect accidentally with
*ethical interests*. They may provide a reason
for acting, but not for what makes an action
right.
• We are not impartial when we act on the basis
of emotion.
• Emotion is unreliable as motive for action
because it is often excessive and capricious.
• Our emotions are attached to objects and
events beyond our control. This makes us
vulnerable.
Aristotle’s view of emotion in ethics I
He believed that virtue is expressed in fine
emotions as well as fine actions.
• Both are morally praiseworthy aspects of
character.
Emotions aren’t just “feelings”, but
cognitively rich mental states. They are
about something that we represent in
thought. For example:
• Anger requires an evaluation that you
have been unjustly slighted.
Aristotle’s view of emotion in ethics II
Emotions are evaluations of things that
are important to us, that alert us to
possibilities for moral choice
Thus Aristotle believed that moral
judgment is aided by the engagement of
the proper emotions.
• He argues that part of our recognition of
a moral dilemma depends on emotion.
How emotions CAN figure in morality I
As modes of attention – helping us notice
salient features.
• Preparing us for moral deliberation and
choice.
As a means of signaling value to oneself
and others.
• Has a role in communicating information to
others.
• Emotion is a mode of responding to
conveying and expressing values
How emotions CAN figure in morality II
Emotions help establish what we value and
also reveal our values
• For example: The feeling of regret is found
in moral conflicts. We feel regret as a
“moral remainder” after the choice has
been mad
Emotions provide an affective memory –
connecting us to stories – and creating
some of what is valued.
• Emotions motivate action.