A Reasoned Feeling, beyond the Contrast between Reason and Emotion

Abstract

The aims of this paper are 1) to quickly describe and analyze the criticims of rationalism in The Affective Sciences and above all, to formulate the hypothesis of an indirect but undeniable link with populist and neoconservative movements. 2) To clarify the status of republican rationalism. 3) To make a philosophical offer that goes beyond the emotion/reason dualism in the political field. Thus, attention will be paid to define a “reasoned feeling”. Passion towards certain political ideals can, in our opinion, be coupled with the coldness of rationalism, the informed consideration of legal needs or institutional complexities.

Keywords

• affective sciences
• freedom of opinion
• french republicanism
• illiberal democracy
• philosophy and political capacity
• republican debate
• emotions
• populism
• public reason