The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Ep. 247: Aristotle on Rhetoric and Emotions (Part Two)
Jul 13, 2020
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Anger Defined As Belittlement + Desire
- Aristotle defines anger as a desire for revenge accompanied by pain over a perceived belittling when that belittling is inappropriate.
- He contrasts anger with hatred, noting anger can be cured while hatred aims at evil and is incurable.
Humiliation Fuels Anger
- Many anger incidents stem from perceived humiliation or status injury, which triggers desire for revenge.
- Status recognition and narcissistic injury explain political and personal violence better than mere impulse.
Preexisting Distress Primes Anger
- Existing distress (illness, thirst, love, poverty) makes people more prone to anger when others belittle their condition.
- Persistent unmet desire paves the way for anger against anyone perceived as obstructing or mocking that distress.