The Moral Psychology of Contempt

This collection explores the complexities of contempt within moral psychology. The Moral Psychology of Contempt offers valuable insights into its implications for personal and social dynamics.

This volume, The Moral Psychology of Contempt, represents a significant contribution to the understanding of contempt as an emotional response to norm violations. Contempt is not only a deeply personal emotion but also has far-reaching social implications, particularly in the context of moral transgressions. Despite its importance, the exploration of contempt in philosophical and psychological literature has not kept pace with the study of other emotional responses such as anger, disgust, and shame. This collection seeks to fill that gap by compiling original work from leading thinkers in the field.

The primary aim of The Moral Psychology of Contempt is to advance the emerging body of literature on contempt while setting a framework for future research. The volume tackles critical empirical questions related to the function of contempt, its emotional and cognitive aspects, and its behavioral manifestations. Additionally, it delves into the interpersonal and intergroup consequences of contempt, providing a comprehensive view of how this emotion operates in various contexts.

Furthermore, the book addresses conceptual and prescriptive inquiries regarding contempt's moral justification. By doing so, it serves as a valuable resource for advanced students and scholars interested in both empirical and normative moral psychology. The insights offered in this volume are poised to shape the future discourse surrounding contempt and its role in human interactions.