Distinguished Lecture Series: Dan Zahavi (Copenhagen)
On many standard readings, shame is an emotion that in an accentuated manner targets and involves the self in its totality. In shame, the self is affected by a global devaluation: it feels defective, objectionable, condemned. The basic question I wish to raise and discuss is the following: What does the fact that we feel shame tell us about the nature of self? What kind of self is it that is affected in shame? Suggestions for further readings: Draghi-Lorenz, R., Reddy, V., & Costall, A. 2001. “Re-thinking the development of "non-basic" emotions: A critical review of existing theories.” Developmental Review 21, 263-304. Lewis, M. 2007. “Self-conscious emotional development.” In J.L. Tracy, R.W. Robins & J.P. Tangney (eds.) The Self-conscious emotions: Theory and Research. New York: Guildford Press, 134-149. Schneider, C.D. (1987). “A Mature Sense of Shame.” In Nathanson, D.L. Ed. (eds.). The Many faces of shame, New York: Guilford Press, pp. 194-213. Zahavi, D. 2009. “Is the self a social construct?” Inquiry 52/6, 551-573. Dan Zahavi is Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Center for Subjectivity Research, http://cfs.ku.dk/staff/cv-danzahavi/
