Hiding From Humanity: Disgust, Shame, And The Law by Martha C. Nussbaum
Disgust, Shame, and the Law
This work examines how disgust and shame—emotions tied to fears of contamination, bodily vulnerability, and social exclusion—have shaped legal norms, especially around sexuality, bodily taboos, and public morals. It argues that these emotions are unreliable guides for law because they often project prejudice onto marginalized groups and license humiliation, rather than protect legitimate interests. Instead, it urges that legal judgments be grounded in harm, consent, and equal respect, critiquing shame-based punishments and “politics of disgust” that rationalize discrimination. The book proposes a dignity- and capabilities-centered framework that limits coercion to preventing real harms while fostering inclusion in a liberal democracy.
- Published
- 2004
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 432
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
- No ratings yet
- Alternate Titles
- None
This book is not currently on any lists.