Download 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 Bringing The Emotions
Into Ethics
• 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.
• NOTE: you can construct a view of what *ethical
interests* are by stating the opposite of each point.
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. [see Plato]