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The emotional dimensions of reason-giving in deliberative forums

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  • Rousiley C. M. Maia

    (The Federal University of de Minas Gerais)

  • Gabriella Hauber

    (The Federal University of de Minas Gerais)

Abstract

This study investigates the role of emotions in the context of a controversial debate surrounding criminal legislation in Brazil. While several thinkers have criticized deliberation for requiring purely rational discourse, we argue that emotion is a central component in the reasoning process. Whereas existing research on the link between justification and emotion has been theoretical, this article offers a novel analytical framework, based on correlational and content analyses, to examine how anger, indignation, fear and compassion underlay reasoned claims. This study is based on data from a morally charged debate in Brazil’s National Congress about setting the criminal responsibility age. Findings reveal that (i) emotions are not randomly distributed, but strongly correlate with the direction of argumentation; (ii) intentional objects, while not involving straightforward cognition, inform perspectives of reasoning; and (iii) these relationships appear unaffected by forum designs. This study helps to understand both personal and social levels of emotional concerns; has methodological implications for surveying emotional dynamics as a socially driven phenomenon; and offers general insights about how the imbrication of reason-giving and emotions is effectively achieved, further away from simplistic notions of rationality.

Suggested Citation

  • Rousiley C. M. Maia & Gabriella Hauber, 2020. "The emotional dimensions of reason-giving in deliberative forums," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 53(1), pages 33-59, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:policy:v:53:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s11077-019-09363-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11077-019-09363-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Martha Nussbaum, 2003. "Capabilities As Fundamental Entitlements: Sen And Social Justice," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(2-3), pages 33-59.
    2. Robert C. Luskin & Ian O'Flynn & James S. Fishkin & David Russell, 2014. "Deliberating across Deep Divides," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 62(1), pages 116-135, March.
    3. Michael MacKuen & Jennifer Wolak & Luke Keele & George E. Marcus, 2010. "Civic Engagements: Resolute Partisanship or Reflective Deliberation," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 54(2), pages 440-458, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna P. Durnová & Eva M. Hejzlarová, 2023. "Navigating the role of emotions in expertise: public framing of expertise in the Czech public controversy on birth care," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 56(3), pages 549-571, September.
    2. Simon Fink & Eva Ruffing & Tobias Burst & Sara Katharina Chinnow, 2023. "Emotional citizens, detached interest groups? The use of emotional language in public policy consultations," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 56(3), pages 469-497, September.

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