The Ethics of Anger provides the resources needed to understand the prevalence of anger in relation to ethics, religion, social and political behavior, and peace studies. Providing theoretical and practical arguments, both for and against the necessity of anger, The Ethics of Anger assembles a variety of diverse perspectives in order to increase knowledge and bolster further research. Part one examines topics such as the nature and ethics of vengeful anger and the psychology of anger. Part two includes chapters on the necessity of anger as central to our moral lives, an examination of Joseph Butler's sermons on resentment, and three chapters that explore anger within Confucianism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions. Part three examines the practical responses to anger, offering several intriguing chapters on topics such as mind viruses, social justice, the virtues of anger, feminism, punishment, and popular culture. This book, edited by Court D. Lewis and Gregory L. Bock, challenges and provides a framework for how moral persons approach, incorporate, and/or exclude anger in their lives.
Court D. Lewis is associate professor of philosophy at Pellissippi State Community College. Gregory L. Bock is assistant professor of philosophy and religion and program director of the Philosophy, Religion and Asian Studies Programs at UT Tyler.
Contents Introduction Court D. Lewis and Gregory L. Bock Part One: The Human Experience of Anger 1. The Nature and Ethics of Vengeful Anger Charles L. Griswold, Boston University 2. The Psychology of Anger: Implicit and Explicit Choices for Ethical Experiences, Expressions, and Control of Anger Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Virginia Commonwealth University Part Two: Moral Responses 3. The Moral Necessity of Anger Krista K. Thomason, Swarthmore College 4. Understanding Joseph Butler's Sermons on Resentment and Forgiveness Gregory L. Bock, The University of Texas at Tyler 5. Anger as an Unnecessary Response Court D. Lewis, Owensboro Community and Technical College 6. Moral Anger in Classical Confucianism Colin Lewis, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs 7. Is Anger Ever Required? Arya Santideva on Anger and its Antidotes Will Barnes, Curry College Part Three: Practical Responses 8. Stoking Anger and Weaponizing Untruth: How Mind Viruses Undermine Social Justice Paula Smithka, University of Southern Mississippi 9. Rage Against the Machine: The Virtues of Anger in Response to Oppression Jennifer Kling, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs 10. Anger and Feminism Danielle Poe, University of Dayton 11. Anger and Punishment Zachary Hoskins, University of Nottingham 12. Avoiding the Dark Side Court D. Lewis and Gregory L. Bock About the Contributors
"This book is a timely contribution to an important field of research. The contributions provide cool insight at a time when temperatures are rising. The authors situate anger within global philosophical traditions, offering fresh interpretations of traditional texts, but they also consider popular culture and applied issues of contemporary concern such as punishment, race, gender, and social justice. The volume features important voices from a variety of specializations, who draw on a broad range of sources and methodologies. It clearly demonstrates that anger is an important topic for philosophical analysis and should open new conversations about a perennial topic."--Andrew Fiala, California State University, Fresno "Anger is everywhere. We feel and express it, but we lack a deep understanding of it. The editors offer a diverse collection of essays that addresses a variety of central questions related to human anger. Is anger ever justified? What are the different types of anger, and what are the moral implications of a more fine-grained understanding of them? What are the connections among anger, wrongdoing, and forgiveness? How is anger connected to the pursuit of social justice? In addressing these and other questions, the contributors draw from psychology, Christian thought, virtue ethics, feminism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. But this volume is not merely about understanding anger, it also has a practical focus, addressing anger in our lived experience and the roles it can play in a moral life."--Michael W. Austin, Eastern Kentucky University "Our anger poses problems. Do we have too much or too little? Are we better off with it or without? What is to be said on both sides? In this book, the many faces and feelings of anger are considered with due respect. Aristotle meets Bishop Butler; Confucius meets Santideva; the radical forgiveness of Jesus meets the liberatory demands of feminism. Anger is therefore necessary and not. Anger is abdication of self-control and companion to self-fulfillment. Readers not angered by a parliament of independent views will find here the tension that is conducive to making up one's own mind."--Greg Moses, Texas State University
