Living under another’s arbitrary power demeans even when unexercised

Evidence

Contemporary thought suggests that individuals in these positions retain their freedom to the extent that they are not actively coerced or obstructed. But whether or not they avoid interference, they certainly have a grievance. They live in the shadow of the other’s presence, even if no arm is raised against them. They live in uncertainty about the other’s reactions and in need of keeping a weather eye open for the other’s moods. They find themselves in a position where they are demeaned by their vulnerability, being unable to look the other in the eye, and where they may even be forced to fawn or toady or flatter in the attempt to ingratiate themselves. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism, 65

Categorization

• DEEPTHINKING: The psychological texture of domination — shadow-presence, uncertainty, eye contact, fawning — captures how status subordination works as felt experience, relevant beyond political philosophy.
• XREF: connects to: Exposure to another’s arbitrary capacity, not its use, constitutes loss of freedom — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 188

Broader Connections

• Exposure to another’s arbitrary capacity, not its use, constitutes loss of freedom #expands (0.95) — Philip Pettit, Republicanism, 188