Democracy and Emotions– A Dialogue with Philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum

Public event at University of Helsinki Think Corner on June 5, 2024
Interview by Kai Alhanen

In recent years, the emotional climate in democratic societies has become increasingly heated and exacerbated. The public debate around a number of topics seems to be dominated by feelings of fear, anger, resentment, and disgust. At the same time, compassion, joy, and love have less foothold in the public sphere. What is the role of emotions in democratic societies? Do certain emotions feed or undermine the fundamental democratic values of freedom, equality, and justice? Can we influence the emotional climate of a given society?

Professor Martha C. Nussbaum is one of the world’s leading philosophers. The moral and political significance of emotions has been one of the core themes of her influential work for decades. Professor Nussbaum has explored the role of emotions in ancient philosophy and tragedy and extended her analyses to the pressure points of contemporary democracies. In this public event, Kai Alhanen, the Director of Dialogue Academy, interviewed Nussbaum on the dynamics of emotions and democracy. The audience had an opportunity to participate in the dialogue on one of the most pressing issues of our contemporary society.

The event was organized by Aretai Ltd. Dialogue Academy, the Helsinki Collegium of Advanced Studies, and the Open Democracy Network.