Emotions and Hermeneutics of Desire: A Journey Towards Human Flourishing

Abstract

In this paper I will argue that we cannot debase or even neglect the value of desires and emotions as they represent fundamental dimensions of the moral experience. First of all, I will contend that a good hermeneutics of desire is crucial for achieving human flourishing. Secondly, I will consider the meaning of emotions, bringing out their cognitive value and their role in assessing what is relevant for human beings. Moreover, in dialogue with different philosophical perspectives — particularly those of C. Taylor, H. Frankfurt, J. P. Sartre, A. MacIntyre — I will present a view of desire as intentional openness to goods and meanings fundamental for the human flourishing. While it is commonly believed that satisfying one’s desires leads as such to the achievement of happiness, I will argue that happiness can truly be expression of human flourishing only if it is rooted within the good life.