Deontological Feelings as Normative Affective Backgrounds: The Case of Profound Boredom

Abstract

In this paper, I suggest that our normative background orientations, against the backdrop of which something emerges as a compelling reason, an obligation, etc., also have an irreducible bodily-affective dimension. This dimension is conceptualized in terms of deontological feelings as fundamental bodily attunements which sensitize us to various forms of deontic power. These ideas are elucidated by referring to a peculiar deontological shift that accompanies the fundamental attunement of profound boredom. I argue that this deontological shift implies that usual values lose their bindingness, making a difference is highly valued and rigidity is regarded as the main ground of authority.