Abstract
Feminists have found Arendt helpful in articulating a theory of judgment across cultural differences. Embodiment enters this discussion, usually, through attention to enlarged mentality. In contrast, I approach embodiment and judgment by looking at undertheorized connections with Arendt’s conception of “thinking.” Drawing on a discussion of Boethius and Huckleberry Finn, I suggest that persons are led to thinking (and to judgment) by lived contradictions, that is, by instances in which their experiences cannot be interpreted through dominant norms in their society or culture. I also consider a claim that oppression hinders a person’s ability to be receptive to enlarged mentality, thus making it difficult for oppressed persons in Third World contexts to exercise judgment. In response, I examine how an oppressed person is receptive to meaning-making through negotiating lived contradictions.
Highlights
- 65 Katy Fulfer embodied Judgment, rooted in Arendt, which may be useful for feminists and others engaging in cross-cultural dialogue
In my view, occur their position within global capitalism and the hierarchies of gender, class, race, and nationality that ensue from global capitalism
I deepen this argument by considering a recent claim that Arendtian Judgment requires receptivity, which is a stance of non-Judgment that prepares a person to judge (Nedelsky, “Receptivity”). This appears to pose a problem for feminist Judgments across cultural differences because oppression undermines a person’s ability to cultivate receptivity
Summary
Judgment on Arendt’s view is the capacity “to tell right from wrong, beautiful from ugly” (Arendt, Responsibility 160). For Arendt, being a spectator implies being a cosmopolitan citizen, and a spectator of the entire world (Arendt, Lectures 76) This claim is an extension of her view of plurality, that all humans share in the life of a species, and yet each is a unique individual. The point is that we do not completely subsume Achilles under the universal concept of “courage” (as Plato might), but that we see something exemplary in the unique individual Achilles that reveals to us what it means to be courageous This Judgment appeals to others’ common sense, asking them to judge the example against their own experiences of courageousness and accept it (or reject it).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
