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
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