Understanding Anger Through the Lens of Philosophy
Written on
Chapter 1: The Nature of Anger
Anger is an intricate emotion with various origins. It can arise from personal pain, feelings of embarrassment, or even minor inconveniences, like a poorly brewed cup of coffee. The key takeaway is that anger has numerous triggers and can manifest in different forms.
At times, our anger may feel justified, even righteous. However, it is often spontaneous and can lead to impulsive actions. The phrase "seeing red" encapsulates the experience of being overwhelmed by anger, which can drive individuals to commit acts they may later regret. This raises an important question: Is it ever morally acceptable to feel anger? If so, under what circumstances?
One of the earliest and most significant contributions to our understanding of anger comes from Ancient Greece, specifically from the philosopher Aristotle. He introduced the concept of "the Doctrine of the Mean," which suggests that there is an ideal balance in our emotional responses and actions. It is our responsibility to cultivate practical wisdom regarding how we should feel in various situations.
For instance, consider a scenario where you need to wake up early for a flight to Cairo. You’ve prepared everything perfectly, eliminating distractions, when suddenly your neighbor decides to blast Metallica at an unreasonable hour. This situation certainly evokes anger, but how much is warranted?
Aristotle would advise us to gather more context. Are you familiar with your neighbor? Have they played loud music before? Is it an appropriate time for such noise? These questions are crucial in determining the appropriate level of anger and the actions that follow.
Section 1.1: The Stoic Perspective
But what if you find yourself angry with no clear target? Imagine waking up to find your home flooded due to a natural disaster, while your neighbor’s property remains untouched. Here, anger might seem justified, yet there’s no one to blame.
In this case, the Stoic philosophy offers guidance. Stoics viewed life as largely uncontrollable, akin to being tied to a cart that moves in its own direction. They taught that resisting life’s unpredictable nature only leads to greater suffering. Instead, we should focus on how we respond to our circumstances. Stoics argue that anger is an unproductive emotion, as it often exacerbates pain without solving problems.
Section 1.2: Philosophical Critiques of Anger
The 8th-century Buddhist philosopher Shantideva expanded on this idea, asserting that anger is fundamentally destructive. In his work, Bodhicaryāvatāra, he argues that anger not only damages our relationships but also prevents us from achieving true happiness. It can keep us awake at night, stealing our peace of mind. Shantideva warns against allowing the anger of others to affect us, as it can spread like a contagion, leading to collective unrest.
Philosopher P.F. Strawson, on the other hand, presents a different viewpoint, suggesting that anger is a natural part of human psychology. It serves as a means to express blame and hold others accountable, indicating when something is amiss.
The video, "5 Philosophers on Anger - Delaney Thull," explores various philosophical perspectives on anger, providing insights into how these thinkers understand and approach this complex emotion.
Chapter 2: Anger’s Role in Social Change
Consider a situation where you live in a small Scottish town facing a health crisis due to a factory’s pollution. Here, righteous anger may spur collective action to address the issue. Political psychologists argue that this type of anger can motivate communities to fight for change. However, philosopher Martha Nussbaum challenges this notion, claiming that anger's negative nature can hinder real progress.
She cites historical figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for non-violent approaches, warning against allowing anger to dictate responses. Their teachings emphasize that succumbing to anger can cultivate resentment and bitterness.
In the video "Dr. Alkistis Agio Self-Leadership/Greek Philosophy: 'Aristotle's 5 Keys To Anger Management'," viewers can learn about practical strategies for managing anger through the lens of Aristotle’s teachings.
In conclusion, anger is a multifaceted emotion that can serve various purposes depending on one’s philosophical viewpoint. While it’s important to acknowledge and experience anger, it's equally crucial to channel that energy constructively. Whether through sports, art, or study, finding healthy outlets for anger can lead to personal growth and understanding.
Thank you for engaging with these perspectives on anger.
Best,
Godfrey
PS: If you're interested in learning more about persuasion principles, feel free to download my free book!