Aversion - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Aversion, at its core, represents a fundamental leaning away, a recoiling whether from a tangible object, a sensation, or an abstract idea which defies easy classification despite its apparent simplicity. Often mistaken for mere dislike, aversion signifies a more potent rejection, an active avoidance imbued with intriguing undertones of fear, disgust, or moral repugnance.
The seeds of aversion seem to be sown early in human discourse. Even within the surviving fragments of pre-Socratic philosophers like Heraclitus, one discerns a subtle aversion to the static, a preference for the dynamic flux. The idea truly takes root, however, in the rich soil of classical Greek philosophy, notably within Plato’s dialogues. The pursuit of truth, the "Great Idea" of human existence, led to an aversion of the falsehoods of the sensory world that are the foundation of Plato's epistemology. Similarly, Aristotle explored the ethics of avoidance, advising against vices and excesses, highlighting aversion as a mechanism for achieving moral balance. These icons of philosophy, and others since, have explored the concept of aversion in service of their own philosophical explorations. The era offers a glimpse into the nascent understanding of how our emotional and intellectual preferences might shape not only our individual choices but also the very structure of our societies and philosophical argument.
Over centuries, the concept of aversion has undergone a fascinating transformation, entwining itself with threads of morality, psychology, and even aesthetics. Kant posited in his moral philosophy the importance of acting out of duty irrespective of personal inclination or moral sentiment, framing aversion to unpleasant duties as something to be overcome by rational thinking. This is reflected in a variety of thought experiments and ethics games that focus on morality and moral reasoning, such as the trolley problem. The rise of psychoanalysis in the 20th century brought a new lens, interpreting aversions as symptoms of repressed desires or unresolved conflicts, deeply interwoven with the language of existentialism, free will, and the eternal struggle against nihilism, thus contributing to a rich tapestry of interpretations. The rise of social media and the rapid spread of ideas have also brought aversion to the forefront, with instances of cancel culture and online shaming demonstrating the powerful role that collective aversions can play in contemporary society. Consider how fairness heuristics in behavioral ethics might influence moral judgments or how cognitive biases contribute to aversion-based decision-making.
Today, aversion remains a potent force, shaping our behavior as individuals and impacting global narratives. From environmental activism driven by aversion to ecological destruction, as articulated by thinkers in ethics in environmentalism, to social justice movements fueled by aversion to inequality, aversion continues to be a catalyst for change. Even the modern focus on personal well-being reflects a fundamental aversion to suffering and a quest for happiness. The enduring mystique of aversion lies in its ability to both divide and unite, to trigger reactions both visceral and reflective. What hidden motivations drive our deepest aversions, and how might understanding them better illuminate the complexities of the human condition?