• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
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• v.143
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• pp.189-214
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• 2017

Disgust is caused by human being incompleteness and also its denial. Therefore the understanding of disgust is concerned with the understanding of humans. Thinking critically about disgust, we can solve the problems of disgust and reflect on our limitations. I will refer to Nussbaum's view which finds out in "projective disgust" an antipathy to human fault and a wish for completeness. This article is interested in the fact that disgust is not only a rejective feeling of a person but also a collective emotion which is connected with an antagonistic relationship and power exercise. Specifically, this article focuses on the point that disgust is mobilized to maintain a dominative relationship between humans. This is associated with the inner characteristics of disgust because disgust in itself contains a one-sided perspective, exclusiveness, hierarchy, and domination. This article aims to reveal a collusion between disgust and domination. For the purpose we will pay attention to two basic inclinations which are immanent in disgust; purity and exclusion, while relying on Nussbaum's view of disgust. In accordance with this analysis, this article will specificity treat disgust which can be summarized as an ideological function of emotion and its violent tendency. Then, we can ensure that disgust threats the equal and dignitary worth of human beings and hinders the diversity and rationality of a liberal society. In addition, it will be emphasized that disgust should not be used as an ideology which discriminates and suppresses a specific group in a society.