Politische Emotionen

How much emotion can a society that strives for justice tolerate? Not much, one might think and point to the dangers of political instrumentalization of fears and resentments. Emotions, according to a widespread view, override thinking and should therefore play no role. Martha C. Nussbaum, on the other hand, asserts: in order to bring justice to bear politically, not only a clear mind is needed, but also a positive-emotional commitment of citizens to the common cause. Some speak of devotion, Nussbaum calls it love. It shows what forms of expression these and related political emotions can take and how they can be cultivated.