Episode #207 - Fear is toxic to a democracy. (Martha Nussbaum)
Episode #207 - Fear is toxic to a democracy. (Martha Nussbaum)
This episode explores the ideas of philosopher Martha Nussbaum, focusing on her argument that emotions—especially fear—play a central role in how democracies succeed or fail. Nussbaum challenges the traditional view that emotions are irrational and instead sees them as important tools for understanding what people value. She compares emotions like shame and guilt to show how our responses reflect different attitudes toward others and society. The core of her message is that fear, when left unexamined, can damage the trust and cooperation needed in a democracy, especially when media and politicians use it to manipulate people. Instead of fear, she believes we should cultivate hope—an active, thoughtful hope that pushes us toward practical solutions, deeper civic engagement, and meaningful conversations with one another.
Further Reading:
The Emotional Life of Populism, Eva Illouz & Avital Sicron (2023)
Anger, Fear, Domination, William A. Galston (2025)
The Geopolitics of Emotion, Dominique Moïsi (2009)
See the full transcript here
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