The podcast delves into the philosophy behind pity, exploring its role in society and culture. Topics discussed include differing views on Father Mackenzie, triggers for pity in professional settings, the criticism of pity in disability studies, and the concept of pity in the disability rights movement. The speakers also delve into the problems with pity, the power relation it creates, and Aristotle's perspective on pity versus compassion.
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insights INSIGHT
Pity's Negative Connotation
Pity is often seen negatively, associated with condescension.
It's been critiqued by the disability rights community for this reason.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Eleanor Rigby and Pity
Ellie Anderson finds the Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby" deeply tragic and pity-inducing.
Father Mackenzie's character, a priest whose sermons no one hears, particularly affects her.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Corn Man Anecdote
Ellie Anderson describes feeling pity for a corn vendor in Santorini, Greece, who seemed to have no customers.
This "corn man" archetype represents those she pities for lack of recognition.
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Tell us who you pity and we’ll tell you who you are! In episode 93 of Overthink, Ellie and David guide you through the philosophy behind this “well-meaning” emotion. From Aristotle’s account of pity in theater, to problematic portrayals of disability in British charity telethons, pity has had an outsized role our social and cultural worlds. But who is the object of our pity, and why? Your hosts dissect various archetypes of pity, such as Father Mackenzie (a character in Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles) and the elusive Corn Man (a figure invented by Ellie while in Greece!). Where is the line between pity and compassion? How does pity interact with our social responsibilities and power structures? And, is pity a meaningful part of the good life, or is it an emotion we would all be better off without?
Aristotle, Poetics & Rhetoric The Beatles, Eleanor Rigby David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature Kristján Kristjánsson, “Pity: A Mitigated Defense” Martha Nussbaum, “Tragedy and Self-Sufficiency: Plato and Aristotle on Fear and Pity” Jean-Paul Sartre, Anti-Semite and Jew Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments Joseph Stramondo, “How an Ideology of Pity is a Social Harm for People With Disabilities” Bernard Whitley, Mary Kite, and Lisa Wagner, Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination
Special thanks to Alexandra Peabody for her support in researching this episode!
Overthink