How should moral philosophers interpret the emotional coercion often disguised as "familial love"? This question has been explored for centuries by great thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, Singer, Rawls, and others. Emotional manipulation is a common tactic used to control individuals who are unaware of their own feelings, especially those who have grown up with parents who did so. It may take different forms like threats, guilt trips, withdrawal of affection, etc., but its effects can be devastating. Moral philosophers must address this issue because it can lead to various negative consequences for society.
Emotional manipulation affects personal development. When children are raised in an environment where they feel forced to do things against their will, they may grow into adults who lack confidence and self-esteem. They might become unable to make their own decisions or stand up for themselves. Such adults could easily fall victim to abusive relationships later in life, which can cause further damage. Also, if someone cannot differentiate between what is genuinely wanted and what is compelled, they may not be able to form healthy bonds with other people.
Emotional coercion can damage interpersonal dynamics within families. If one person feels obligated to act according to another's desires due to emotional blackmailing, it creates imbalances that can harm all family members.
A parent who demands total obedience from their child might prevent them from pursuing their dreams or expressing themselves freely. This can lead to resentment and anger towards the controlling parent, damaging relationships among siblings too.
Emotional manipulation negatively impacts social relations outside the family. Individuals trained since childhood to submit to others' needs may struggle with autonomy or assertiveness when interacting with outsiders. They could end up entering unhealthy romantic partnerships based on fear of abandonment rather than genuine attraction or remain trapped in abusive ones because they don't know how to set boundaries.
Such individuals may find it challenging to establish professional goals independently without being pushed by others.
Emotional coercion has consequences beyond individual relationships. When an entire society is raised under pressure to conform to certain beliefs or behaviors, it may become harder for people to think critically or challenge authority figures. Such societies are vulnerable to oppression and exploitation.
Children who have been emotionally manipulated into becoming subservient adults will likely pass down this behavior to future generations, repeating the cycle of abuse.
Moral philosophers should address the problem of emotional coercion disguised as familial love. By recognizing its damaging effects, they can promote healthier interpersonal dynamics within families and wider communities. This requires teaching critical thinking skills that help individuals recognize and resist external pressures while cultivating self-awareness so that they can act authentically according to their desires instead of being guided by fear or obligation.
How should moral philosophers interpret the emotional coercion often disguised as “familial love”?
While moral philosophers may disagree on how to interpret the phenomenon of emotional coercion disguised as "familial love," many would likely acknowledge that it is an immoral practice that can have significant consequences for both the victim and perpetrator. It is important to note that while families are often described as places of support, nurture, and unconditional love, this does not mean that abusive behaviors cannot occur within them.