Is there a role for EMOTION in ETHICS?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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]