The Philosophy of Envy

Envy is almost universally condemned. But is its reputation warranted? Sara Protasi argues envy is multifaceted and sometimes even virtuous.

Sara Protasi (Author)

9781316519172, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 July 2021

264 pages
23.6 x 15.7 x 2.1 cm, 0.521 kg

'The book fills an important gap in the philosophical literature on emotions. Being particularly accessible, it is a worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in the philosophy and psychology of emotions.' Agnès Baehni, The Journal of Value Inquiry

Envy is almost universally condemned and feared. But is its bad reputation always warranted? In this book, Sara Protasi argues that envy is more multifaceted than it seems, and that some varieties of it can be productive and even virtuous. Protasi brings together empirical evidence and philosophical research to generate a novel view according to which there are four kinds of envy: emulative, inert, aggressive, and spiteful. For each kind, she individuates different situational antecedents, phenomenological expressions, motivational tendencies, and behavioral outputs. She then develops the normative implications of this taxonomy from a moral and prudential perspective, in the domain of personal loving relationships, and in the political sphere. A historical appendix completes the book. Through a careful and comprehensive investigation of envy's complexity, and its multifarious implications for human relations and human value, The Philosophy of Envy surprisingly reveals that envy plays a crucial role in safeguarding our happiness.

Introduction
1. What is Envy?
2. Varieties of Envy
3. The value of Envy
4. Love and Envy, Two Sides of the Same Coin
5. Political Envy
Conclusion: Envy and Human Goodness.

Subject Areas: Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Philosophy [HP]