In a key conversation during their exile, Draupadī and Yudhiṣṭhira discuss whether or not it is time to act against their hostile Kaurava cousins. The reasons given by Draupadi why her husband should act are based on the importance of emotions – in particular, anger (manyu). This amounts to a grounded, con-textualised case for martial conduct. Yudhiṣṭhira responds with a critique of what he labels “wrath” (krodha) and the need for a universalist commitment to emotional control for the preservation of order (dharma). The argument is not settled conclusively, but it is interesting because it addresses questions that are of contemporary interest in moral philosophy.
Emotion and Moral Argument from the Mahābhārata
31.05.2019 15:15 - 17:00
Organiser:
Institut für Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismuskunde
Location:
Seminarraum 1 des Instituts für Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismuskunde Universitätscampus, Spitalgasse 2, Hof 2.7, 1090 Wien