On the Possibilities of Sociological Application of the Concept of “Ressentiment” by M. Scheler

Abstract

The author reveals the concept of “ressentiment” in the works of Max Scheler. It is highlighted that this concept is the continuation and development of Sheler’s axiological doctrine, it forms the foundation of his sociology of knowledge and philosophical anthropology. Analysis of Scheler’s ideas about “ressentiment” in the works of foreign and domestic authors made it possible to determine the areas of possible application of this concept in various fields of research. The author comes to the conclusion that studying Sheler’s heritage can not only philosophically deepen the sociological study of society, but also outline the current search directions in various branches of social and humanitarian knowledge.The author demonstrates the theoretical and methodological potential of applying the concept of “ressentiment”, based on the example of analyzing changes in the modern perception of human corporeality in general and the beauty of the human body in particular. The concept of “bodily ressentiment” is introduced, while revealing features of the “coup in values” mechanism, which manifests itself in the desire to practically change one’s own body. People with copious tattooing have become the object of preliminary observation within the context of the sociological study of the mass perception of human corporeality. Interpreting the results of in-depth interviews allowed for identifying the possibilities of empirically applying M. Scheler’s concept of “ressentiment”. Although the mental and psychological characteristics associated with ressentiment were not noticed in everyone who applies a large number of tattoos on his or her body, it is possible, regardless, to establish a connection between experiencing ressentiment and one’s propensity to constantly apply tattoos. It should be noted that the author of this study was not out to determine the prevalence of “bodily ressentiment”. His goal was to detect external signs and to reveal states of consciousness which most likely would indicate towards an emerging and developing ressentiment connected with one’s body.