Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Drawing on examples from empirical research, I argue that the common notion of a simple trade-off between the prudential benefits and ethical costs of positive illusions is one-sided and untenable insofar as it overlooks the ethical significance that such illusions can have in times of adversity. First, I show that positive illusions, which promote psychological stability in difficult times, can not only limit autonomy but also enhance it – despite, and even because of, this limitation. Second, I argue that although positive illusions can sometimes harm others, they can also enable us to contribute to others’ well-being.
Source: Philosophical Psychology
Author: Anna Wehofsits
Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7115068280