The Moral Psychology of Regret

Regret is a complex emotion that involves backward-looking emotions, such as disappointment and sadness, and can shape our current and future thoughts, decisions, and goals. The Moral Psychology of Regret explores this emotion from various disciplines, including philosophy, gender studies, disability studies, law, and neuroscience, to better understand its significance and appropriate conditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Regret is a complex and multifaceted emotion that has been the subject of much scholarly inquiry and discussion. It is a deeply felt emotion that arises when we believe that we have made a mistake or failed to achieve a desired outcome. Regret can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including personal failures, interpersonal relationships, and significant life events.

One of the key questions that scholars have explored is the nature of regret. What distinguishes regret from other emotions such as sadness or disappointment? How does regret differ from other backward-looking emotions, such as nostalgia or longing?

One approach to understanding regret is to consider it as a moral emotion. According to this perspective, regret is a response to our own moral shortcomings or failures. It is an emotion that arises when we realize that we have violated our own values or betrayed the trust of others. Regret can be a powerful motivator for change, as it can help us to reflect on our actions and make amends for our mistakes.

Another important aspect of regret is its impact on our thoughts, decisions, and goals. Regret can lead us to question our own abilities and competencies, and can cause us to doubt our future prospects. It can also lead us to change our behavior and pursue different goals in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

However, regret can also have negative consequences, such as increased anxiety, depression, and guilt. It can lead us to become self-critical and self-destructive, and can prevent us from taking risks and pursuing new opportunities.

In order to mitigate the negative effects of regret, it is important to approach it in a healthy and constructive way. One approach is to focus on the lessons that we can learn from our regrets and use them as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. We can also seek support from others, such as friends, family, or mental health professionals, to help us process our emotions and work through our regrets.

Another important aspect of regret is its cultural and social significance. Regret can be a powerful tool for social change and social justice, as it can help us to reflect on our past actions and work towards a more equitable and just society. For example, regret can be a motivating factor for individuals to engage in acts of reparation, such as apologizing or making amends, or to advocate for social change, such as protesting against discrimination or inequality.

In conclusion, regret is a complex and multifaceted emotion that has significant implications for our personal and social lives. It is a response to our own moral shortcomings or failures and can be a powerful motivator for change. However, it can also have negative consequences, such as increased anxiety, depression, and guilt. By approaching regret in a healthy and constructive way, we can learn from our mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Regret can also have cultural and social significance, as it can help us to reflect on our past actions and work towards a more equitable and just society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786602527