Graduation Year
2024
Date of Submission
4-2024
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Neuroscience
Reader 1
Brian Keeley
Reader 2
Stacey Doan
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2024 Andrew J Holzer
Abstract
In her book, Anger and Forgiveness: Resentment, Generosity, Justice, Martha Nussbaum argues that anger is inherently flawed because it fundamentally contains the desire for payback. To support her argument, she posits specific metaphysical claims about the nature of emotions like anger. This thesis is an extended critique of her metaphysical foundation from the perspective of empirical research in the neuroscience of emotion. The first reason to dispute this picture is descriptive; this view of anger is based on an outdated version of cognitive appraisal theory, which sees emotions as triggered directly by static moments of cognitive appraisal. The second reason is prescriptive; this description of anger suggests for its gradual elimination through the widespread adoption of emotional regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal. However, studies in neuroscience question the effectiveness of these strategies in promoting healthy emotional lives, especially in complex epistemic environments and for victims of injustice. Alongside this critique, I demonstrate how an alternative picture avoids these fundamental errors and aligns itself more closely with empirical findings.
Recommended Citation
Holzer, Andrew, "The Standing of Anger: Insights from the Debate(s) on Constructed Emotion" (2024). CMC Senior Theses. 3677.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3677
Included in
Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Metaphysics Commons, Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Philosophy of Mind Commons, Philosophy of Science Commons
