Abstract
In this paper, drawing on phenomenological and clinical literature, we will describe shame as a resonant emotion where the subjects involved are intertwined with one another thanks to two pre-reflective features of selfhood: embodiment and common sense. Furthermore, we will pay particular attention to the notion of intercorporeality, as it reflects the fact that our self, since birth, is essentially relational and embodied. In doing so, we will use the case of autism spectrum disorder as a paradigmatic situation and we will claim that the difficulties experienced by autistic subjects in feeling shame (and other complex emotions) are primarily due to the lack or the impairments in the domains of intercorporeality and common sense. In this view, shame reveals its complex nature and it is synonymous with a bodily and essentially relational emotion.
Highlights
We will use the case of autism spectrum disorder as a paradigmatic situation and we will claim that the difficulties experienced by autistic subjects in feeling shame are primarily due to the lack or the impairments in the domains of intercorporeality and common sense
The aim of this paper is to provide an account of the phenomenology of shame by relying on the case of autism spectrum disorder in order to understand the nature of this emotion
We used the case of shame to underline the importance of such features, that in similar disorders are missing or severely impaired, and we have shown that such deficits hinder the development of complex emotions like shame
Summary
The very broad capability to conceive of other perspectives (an ability which is at stake in perception) is strictly linked to the concrete experience of otherness, as well as to the development of common sense (the feeling of being part of a community or a group). In this view, an emotion like shame is not conceived in terms of representation or conceptual thinking (Lewis 2003), but seems to involve intuitive issues which are, on the contrary, the conditions for the development of concepts like Self and Other. The analysis of autism spectrum disorder, a disorder whose core is precisely an intersubjective impairment, seems to be an interesting opportunity to shed light on the importance of sociality and of interpersonal, pre-theoretical engagement in the development of our emotional life
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
