Geography and ethics II: Emotions and morality. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olson, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Progress in human geography. Volume 40:Number 6(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 838
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: care -- distance -- emotion -- ethics -- normativity -- political emotions; Human geography -- Periodicals; 304.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0309132515601766
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1325

Abstract

In this second report, I consider the relationship between emotion and morality from a geographical perspective. Though traditional and contemporary engagements in moral philosophy and psychology offer a diverse range of theories and approaches to emotions and morality, few of these explicitly consider or incorporate the role of space. I consider theories of embodiment and relationality as one means through which emotions become collective and institutionalized, with a focus on emotional geographies and care. I conclude by reflecting on political emotions as conflictive but insightful signals of societal shifts in our moral emotions, and suggest that incorporating emotions may also provide a different way of thinking about the problem of distant care.