Agnes Callard: Anger as a Social Emotion – Anger as an Appeal for Relationship Repair

Abstract

The proposed study focuses on anger as a social emotion, as depicted in the work of Agnes Callard: "On Anger." Anger is portrayed here as a signal of relational abuse and a call for its rectification. The authors reflect on Callard's text, contemplating anger as a manifestation of disrupted intimate relationships between individuals and considering the possibilities of a Schillerian understanding of anger within the bounds of charm and dignity. They point out that such charming anger would miss its effect; anger should primarily signal injustice. At the same time, they appreciate Callard's shift of focus from conveying a message of retaliation and revenge to an interest in restoring the original relationship. They emphasize that anger should not destroy relationships but rather seek to repair them, although it does not always succeed in doing so. The work is part of broader reflections by the authors on anger and its cognitive, moral, and social roles in our lives.