Envy

Aug 27, 2024

Unpack the tangled emotions of envy, admiration, and jealousy, from Freud’s controversial theories to iconic film characters like those in Snow White. Discover how social media amplifies envy and influences aspirations. Delve into the complexities that distinguish envy from jealousy, and explore the dual nature of this emotion—both as a potential hurdle and a springboard for growth. The conversation also humorously critiques traditional views on masculinity and provides fresh insights into the philosophy of envy.

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ANECDOTE

Envious Characters

Ellie Anderson and David Peña-Guzman discuss characters exemplifying envy.
Examples include the queen in Snow White and Regina George in Mean Girls.

INSIGHT

Envy vs. Identification

We envy those we want to emulate but don't yet resemble.
Aspiring to be like someone differs from identifying with their qualities.

ANECDOTE

Mean Girls and Sabotage

In Mean Girls, Cady envies Regina's popularity, then sabotages her.
This reflects a common envious response: taking down those we envy.

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The Philosophy of Envy

Sara Protasi

In *The Philosophy of Envy*, Sara Protasi presents a nuanced view of envy, categorizing it into four types: emulative, inert, aggressive, and spiteful. She combines empirical evidence with philosophical analysis to explore the normative implications of envy in personal relationships and political contexts. The book challenges the universal condemnation of envy, suggesting it plays a crucial role in safeguarding happiness.

The Book of the City of Ladies

Christine de Pizan

Ressentiment

Max Scheler

In 'Ressentiment' analysiert Max Scheler die emotionale und moralische Dimension von Ressentiment, das er als eine Art menschlichen Hasses beschreibt, der aus Frustration und einem Gefühl der Unterlegenheit entsteht. Das Buch beleuchtet die psychologischen Wurzeln, moralischen Implikationen und gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen von Ressentiment. Scheler argumentiert, dass Ressentiment moralisches Urteilsvermögen verzerren kann und zu einem Kreislauf der Rache führen kann.

On Envy

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St. Basil of Caesarea

Philebus

Plato

Plato's "Philebus" is a dialogue exploring the nature of pleasure and the good life. It examines different conceptions of pleasure, distinguishing between pure and mixed pleasures. The dialogue features a discussion on the role of reason and moderation in achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Plato argues that a life guided by reason and virtue is superior to one solely focused on pleasure. The work's enduring significance lies in its exploration of fundamental questions about happiness, ethics, and the ideal human life.

Envy in the Philosophical Tradition

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Justin D'arms

Justin D'arms' "Envy in the Philosophical Tradition" offers a comprehensive examination of envy across various philosophical perspectives. The book traces the historical understanding of envy, analyzing its portrayal in different philosophical systems and traditions. D'arms explores the complexities of envy, distinguishing it from related emotions such as jealousy and resentment. He critically examines the arguments for and against the existence of positive forms of envy. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the philosophical study of emotions and their moral implications.

Moralia

Plutarch

Plutarch's "Moralia" is a collection of essays covering a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, and history. These essays offer insights into ancient Greek thought and culture, exploring various moral and philosophical issues. Plutarch's writing style is characterized by its accessibility and engaging narratives. The "Moralia" provides a valuable window into the intellectual and cultural landscape of the ancient world. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of timeless questions about human nature, morality, and the good life.

This sex which is not one

Luce Irigaray

Luce Irigaray's "This Sex Which Is Not One" is a significant work in feminist philosophy and psychoanalysis. Irigaray critiques the phallocentric biases within Western thought, particularly in psychoanalysis. She challenges the traditional understanding of female sexuality as a lack or deficiency in relation to the male. Irigaray proposes a different model of female subjectivity, emphasizing the multiplicity and fluidity of female experience. Her work has been highly influential in feminist theory and gender studies, prompting critical re-evaluations of traditional philosophical and psychological frameworks. The book's enduring significance lies in its contribution to feminist thought and its challenge to patriarchal structures of knowledge.

Rhetoric

W. Rhys Roberts

Aristotle

Aristotle's 'Rhetoric' is one of the foundational texts of Western philosophy, particularly in the fields of philosophy, politics, and literature. The book delves into the practical and aesthetic elements of persuasive argumentation, emphasizing the role of language in achieving precision and clarity of thought. It examines how to compose and interpret speeches, offering insights that remain relevant in contemporary communications, from advertisements to news reports and other media. The work is divided into three books, each addressing different aspects of rhetoric and its application[4][5].

Three essays on the theory of sexuality

Sigmund Freud

"Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality" is a cornerstone of Freudian theory, exploring the development of sexuality from infancy to adulthood. Freud outlines his psychosexual stages, emphasizing the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping adult sexuality. He challenges conventional views of sexuality, arguing that sexual drives are present from infancy and influence personality development. The book introduces concepts like the Oedipus complex and the importance of repression. Its controversial ideas sparked significant debate and continue to influence discussions about sexuality and development.