Episode #190 - Are emotions a waste of time? - Neo-Stoicism (Martha Nussbaum)
Are emotions a waste of time?
Key Takeaways:
Nussbaum's Critique of Stoicism: The podcast discusses Nussbaum's critique of classical Stoicism's view on emotions, arguing that emotions are not just irrational impulses but important cognitive judgments about our needs and well-being.
Importance of Emotions in Moral Thinking: Nussbaum emphasizes the necessity of emotions in ethical decision-making, challenging the traditional separation of reason and emotion in moral philosophy.
Personal History and Emotional Responses: The episode explores how personal history shapes emotional responses, highlighting the importance of understanding one's emotional repertoire developed since childhood.
Compassion and Morality: Nussbaum's view on compassion as a crucial emotion in moral understanding is discussed, contrasting with the skepticism of compassion in classical philosophy.
Recommended Reading:
Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions by Martha Nussbaum
This book offers an extensive philosophical exploration of emotions, arguing that emotions are not just responses but also involve intelligent appraisals about the things and people that are important to us.The Monarchy of Fear: A Philosopher Looks at Our Political Crisis by Martha Nussbaum
Nussbaum examines the political crisis in the United States, focusing on fear as a fundamental emotion driving contemporary politics and divisiveness.Political Emotions: Why Love Matters for Justice by Martha Nussbaum
In this work, Nussbaum explores the role of love and other emotions in a functioning democracy and argues for the importance of cultivating emotions constructively to support justice and societal wellbeing.
See the full transcript here.
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