WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life

Getting Good Out of The Bad

Feb 9, 2025

Krista Thomason, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Swarthmore College and author of "Dancing with the Devil: Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good," engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the value of negative emotions. She explores how feelings like shame and anger can drive personal growth and moral depth. The conversation challenges conventional views by emphasizing that embracing the full spectrum of emotions, including grief and jealousy, is essential for authenticity and well-being, offering a fresh perspective on our emotional landscape.

01:07:54

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Episode guests

Krista Thomason

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Quick takeaways

Negative emotions like shame and anger are essential for personal growth, providing insight into our values and moral lives.

Challenging societal norms around emotional expression allows for a more balanced life, integrating both positive and negative feelings.

Understanding the complexity of our emotional landscapes fosters compassion, illuminating the intertwined nature of feelings like love and anger.

Deep dives

The Natural Role of Negative Emotions

Negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and contempt are essential aspects of the human experience, reflecting our responses to life’s complexities. A constant state of positivity is deemed unrealistic and potentially damaging, suggesting that a balanced emotional life must include both positive and negative feelings. While society often discourages the expression of negative emotions, these feelings serve crucial roles in self-awareness and boundary-setting. Emotions are not merely reactions; they provide insight into our values and what matters to us, encouraging a richer understanding of our humanity.

Intro

5min

Exploring Control Over Emotions in Philosophy

2min

Emotion and Reason: A Complex Interplay

15min

Navigating the Spectrum of Emotions

2min

Embracing the Spectrum of Emotions

18min

The Pitfalls of Mindfulness in Modern Culture

2min

Embracing Emotional Complexity

19min

The Importance of Emotions: Understanding Negative Feelings

5min

In this episode of the WHY Podcast, Jack sits down with Krista Thomason, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Swarthmore College, to explore the intriguing idea of finding value in negative emotions. Krista, author of Dancing with the Devil: Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good, delves into how emotions like shame, guilt, and anger can, paradoxically, lead to personal growth and a deeper moral life. Drawing from her expertise in philosophy of emotion and moral philosophy, Krista offers thought-provoking insights on how negative feelings can be an essential part of a meaningful life. Tune in for a conversation that challenges conventional views and reimagines the role of uncomfortable emotions in our pursuit of well-being.

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WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life

Getting Good Out of The Bad

Episode guests