Retrieving Political Emotion

This philosophical exploration examines how political theory has largely neglected the role of emotion in cultivating civic virtue, arguing that a retrieval of concepts like thumos from classical thought is essential for a robust public life. Barbara Koziak challenges the traditional reason-passion dichotomy, proposing that certain emotions are not just private feelings but foundational capacities for justice, courage, and political engagement. The work meticulously traces the historical sidelining of emotion in Western political philosophy, making a compelling case for its reintegration into our understanding of what makes a good citizen.

Koziak’s distinctive contribution lies in her constructive framework, which moves beyond critique to outline how a politics of emotion could function, drawing thoughtfully from Aristotle and contemporary thinkers. Readers interested in political theory, ethics, and the intersection of psychology with civic life will find this a provocative and necessary intervention. It ultimately re-frames some of our most fundamental questions about what binds a political community together and what resources we need to sustain it.