Abstract
The intent of this thesis is to examine Spinoza's philosophy of emotion as it relates to groups of individuals, or collectives. These groups, especially political collectives such as nation-states, are evaluated through Spinozist understandings of virtue, nobility, and blessedness. From this analysis, a novel concept of "collective nobility" is used to create philosophical guidance for the emotional dimensions of politics and state action. Drug policy is used as a case study to understand how emotion influences policymaking and vice versa, both negatively (as in the United States) and positively (as in Portugal).
Thesis Completion
2019
Semester
Summer
Thesis Chair/Advisor
Strawser, Michael
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
College
College of Arts and Humanities
Department
Philosophy
Degree Program
Philosophy
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Release Date
8-1-2019
Recommended Citation
Uhlig, Ethan K., "Collective Nobility: Spinoza and the Politics of Emotion" (2019). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 556.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/556