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Moral Emotions: Reclaiming the Evidence of the Heart
Winner, 2015 CSCP Symposium Book Award
Moral Emotions builds upon the philosophical theory of persons begun in Phenomenology and Mysticism and marks a new stage of phenomenology. Author Anthony J. Steinbock finds personhood analyzing key emotions, called moral emotions. Moral Emotions offers a systematic account of the moral emotions, described here as pride, shame, and guilt as emotions of self-givenness; repentance, hope, and despair as emotions of possibility; and trusting, loving, and humility as emotions of otherness.
The author argues these reveal basic structures of interpersonal experience. By exhibiting their own kind of cognition and evidence, the moral emotions not only help to clarify the meaning of person, they reveal novel concepts of freedom, critique, and normativity. As such, they are able to engage our contemporary social imaginaries at the impasse of modernity and postmodernity.
Moral Emotions builds upon the philosophical theory of persons begun in Phenomenology and Mysticism and marks a new stage of phenomenology. Author Anthony J. Steinbock finds personhood analyzing key emotions, called moral emotions. Moral Emotions offers a systematic account of the moral emotions, described here as pride, shame, and guilt as emotions of self-givenness; repentance, hope, and despair as emotions of possibility; and trusting, loving, and humility as emotions of otherness.
The author argues these reveal basic structures of interpersonal experience. By exhibiting their own kind of cognition and evidence, the moral emotions not only help to clarify the meaning of person, they reveal novel concepts of freedom, critique, and normativity. As such, they are able to engage our contemporary social imaginaries at the impasse of modernity and postmodernity.
354 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2014
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June 22, 2024
Anthony Steinbock's "Moral Emotions" delves into the intricate realm where emotions and ethics intertwine, offering a profound exploration of how our emotional experiences shape our moral lives. Steinbock, a prominent philosopher known for his work on phenomenology, brings a meticulous blend of philosophical inquiry and psychological insight to unravel the complexities of moral emotions.
At the heart of Steinbock's thesis lies the idea that emotions are not mere fleeting reactions but significant ethical phenomena that deeply influence our ethical judgments and actions. He argues persuasively that emotions such as guilt, shame, compassion, and moral disgust are pivotal in guiding our moral behavior and understanding our moral obligations. Through careful analysis and compelling examples, Steinbock illustrates how these emotions serve as moral compasses, steering individuals towards ethical responses and moral growth.
One of the strengths of Steinbock's work is his rigorous engagement with phenomenological philosophy, particularly drawing on the traditions of Husserl and Heidegger. He skillfully applies phenomenological methods to uncover the lived experiences of moral emotions, emphasizing the subjective and embodied nature of ethical life. This approach not only enriches our theoretical understanding but also provides practical insights into how individuals perceive and navigate moral dilemmas in everyday life.
Steinbock addresses the often-neglected dimension of moral emotions in ethical theory. By giving prominence to these affective states, he challenges traditional rationalist accounts of morality that prioritize reason over emotions. Instead, he proposes a more holistic view where reason and emotion are intertwined in moral decision-making, each playing complementary roles in our ethical lives.
Critically engaging with contemporary debates, Steinbock situates his arguments within broader discussions on moral psychology, virtue ethics, and the philosophy of emotions. He acknowledges the diversity of emotional experiences across cultures and contexts, offering a nuanced perspective that avoids oversimplification. This nuanced approach not only enhances the scholarly rigor of his work but also makes it accessible to a wide range of readers interested in moral philosophy and psychology.
"Moral Emotions" stands as a significant contribution to the study of ethics and emotions, offering a compelling synthesis of phenomenology and moral philosophy. It invites readers to reconsider the role of emotions in moral reasoning and underscores their profound influence on ethical decision-making. Scholars, students, and anyone interested in the complexities of human morality will find this book both enlightening and thought-provoking, prompting deeper reflection on the intricate interplay between emotions and ethics in our lives.
At the heart of Steinbock's thesis lies the idea that emotions are not mere fleeting reactions but significant ethical phenomena that deeply influence our ethical judgments and actions. He argues persuasively that emotions such as guilt, shame, compassion, and moral disgust are pivotal in guiding our moral behavior and understanding our moral obligations. Through careful analysis and compelling examples, Steinbock illustrates how these emotions serve as moral compasses, steering individuals towards ethical responses and moral growth.
One of the strengths of Steinbock's work is his rigorous engagement with phenomenological philosophy, particularly drawing on the traditions of Husserl and Heidegger. He skillfully applies phenomenological methods to uncover the lived experiences of moral emotions, emphasizing the subjective and embodied nature of ethical life. This approach not only enriches our theoretical understanding but also provides practical insights into how individuals perceive and navigate moral dilemmas in everyday life.
Steinbock addresses the often-neglected dimension of moral emotions in ethical theory. By giving prominence to these affective states, he challenges traditional rationalist accounts of morality that prioritize reason over emotions. Instead, he proposes a more holistic view where reason and emotion are intertwined in moral decision-making, each playing complementary roles in our ethical lives.
Critically engaging with contemporary debates, Steinbock situates his arguments within broader discussions on moral psychology, virtue ethics, and the philosophy of emotions. He acknowledges the diversity of emotional experiences across cultures and contexts, offering a nuanced perspective that avoids oversimplification. This nuanced approach not only enhances the scholarly rigor of his work but also makes it accessible to a wide range of readers interested in moral philosophy and psychology.
"Moral Emotions" stands as a significant contribution to the study of ethics and emotions, offering a compelling synthesis of phenomenology and moral philosophy. It invites readers to reconsider the role of emotions in moral reasoning and underscores their profound influence on ethical decision-making. Scholars, students, and anyone interested in the complexities of human morality will find this book both enlightening and thought-provoking, prompting deeper reflection on the intricate interplay between emotions and ethics in our lives.
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