Filosofia das emoções de Martha Nussbaum : cognitivismo, ação e florescimento humano

Abstract

For the American philosopher Martha Nussbaum (1947-), to omit from philosophical investigation (mainly in moral, social and personal terms) assertive considerations about emotions is to neglect an important adjunct to the approach to philosophical problems. Therefore, the present text aims to analyze Nussbaum's arguments about emotions in detail, in order to answer pertinent questions in philosophy. First, we will point out his definition of emotion: emotions are evaluations of value in the face of an object perceived in the world, and that this is only possible due to its cognitive nature, that is, intrinsically capable of formulating propositional beliefs that not only make sense, but are part of important in the emotional agent's scheme of values, thus being eudaimonic, or a contribution to human flourishing. Second, we will demonstrate how emotions, therefore, have a lot to tell us about morality. If emotions, according to the philosopher, are evaluations, they can help in evaluations pertinent to good and justice. Emotions such as compassion, love and indignation give us important information and motivations that guide our actions. Finally, I will carry out an analytical approach to the emotion of compassion which, in Nussbaum's theory, has a central aspect, as it is a key emotion for moral, social and personal action. According to the author, emotions shape the landscape of our lives, therefore, clarifying them is necessary to direct us towards human flourishing.