Robert Solomon and the Ethics of Grief and Gratitude: Toward a Politics of Love

Abstract

Robert Solomon’s work suggests that the moral dimensions of grief and gratitude may obligate us to change social mores for ones more consistent with what we learn from rational reflection on the essential characteristics of emotions. His work brings with it a faith that philosophical reflection can change attitudes and behaviors, not only to make us better people, but also to make the world a better place. In this chapter, I argue that for Solomon, grief is a continuation of love and both emotions can take one out of one’s self. Both are in an important sense morally obligatory. And, moreover, both the ethics of love and the ethics of grief have significant consequences for thinking about politics.