Positive Prejudice As Interpersonal Ethics

Sara Kärkkäinen Terian

doi:10.5771/9781793628510

Summary

Positive Prejudice as Interpersonal Ethics examines prejudice not merely as a negative attitude toward others but as a general orientation that enables perception and understanding. Prejudicial attitudes appear in all daily human interactions; these interactions have a moral character and thus have an effect on the self-concepts and self-esteem of the participants. By examining this concept at the intersection of three fields—social psychological studies of the nature of prejudice, phenomenological examination of a person’s interpersonal experiences, and ethical consideration of the character of constructive interactions—this book places the idea of prejudice in its larger context. Presenting prejudice as situational understanding that impacts all perception and interpretation, Sara Kärkkäinen Terian offers a way to shape it from negative to positive. She considers recognition of one’s value as a person an integral part of positive prejudice and respect as its necessary basis.