Political Emotions

Abstract

We usually think of liberal democratic discourse as being based predominantly on rationality, which occupies a dominant role in the public sphere. Totalitarian societies, by contrast, tend to exalt emotionality and feelings. However, public emotions such as hope, shame, altruism and empathy play an important role in democratic life, for example in motivating people to accept sacrifices, or to act in solidarity with disadvantaged groups in society. This paper invites discussion on the meaning and role of political emotions.

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