Enemies and the Rational Effects of Hatred. Variations on Themes by Plutarch

Abstract

In this paper I defend the idea that rather than disrupting rationality, certain emotions may actually help us to develop rational ways of thinking and acting. I make the case for the emotion of hatred, and more specifically to the case of hatred towards enemies. I argue that this kind of hatred may make us develop epistemic and practical forms of rationality. Hatred may generate rational ways of belief-formation by framing the parameters taken into account in perception and attention, and by bringing into light only a small portion of the epistemic information available. This emotion also narrows down the number of practical considerations that may help us to achieve our goals, while developing a strategic form of rationality—determined by the characteristic action tendencies of hatred. Finally, I argue that hatred may even have positive consequences in our moral conduct. These were topics originally developed by Plutarch in his Moralia, here I develop some variations.