Episode #190 - Are emotions a waste of time? - Neo-Stoicism (Martha Nussbaum)
Are emotions a waste of time?
This episode introduces the ethical philosophy of Martha Nussbaum, who challenges the Stoic belief that emotions should be suppressed or distrusted. Using literature and psychology, Nussbaum argues that emotions are not irrational forces, but powerful forms of moral judgment—ways of valuing what matters most. She explores how emotions like grief, anger, and love shape our understanding of justice and our ability to care for others. Against the Stoic ideal of emotional detachment, she offers a more realistic and compassionate vision: one that embraces vulnerability and acknowledges our deep need for others. This idea becomes central to her Capabilities Approach, a political philosophy that redefines justice in terms of what people are actually able to do and be. In a world that often values control, optimization, and self-reliance, Nussbaum’s work is a reminder that wisdom also means being open—to other people, to uncertainty, and to the emotions that make us human.
Further Reading:
Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions by Martha C. Nussbaum (2001)
Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach by Martha C. Nussbaum (2011)
The Fragility of Goodness: Luck and Ethics in Greek Tragedy and Philosophy by Martha C. Nussbaum (1986)
See the full transcript here.
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