Summ Blog #10

Effect Neutrality

(NOTE: I am playing Devil’s advocate)

 

 

                From what I can discern, there seems to be an assumed superiority in the relationship preferring Affectivity, (emotional attachment) opposed to Affect Neutrality (lack of emotions). It is usually argued that the emotional bonds that attach each and every other person, place, and thing together provide for motivations that lead to protection and generosity.  I can agree to this proposition; however that does not mandate that it is solely Affectivity as the only way in which the resulting outcomes can be processed.

                Instead however, under certain conditions Affect Neutrality can also produce the same results that are normally attributed. On a large scale, the medical and emergency practice of Triage is a process that requires greatest good. A short and sweet definition of Triage is as follows: When there are not enough resources to address all cases of need, a system of priority distribution must be enacted. It is in these kinds of cases that an emotional attachment or a biased sense of sympathy is likely to result with an immoral application of Triage procedures. It is there for preferred that an individual or small leadership staff, have the ability to intentionally enter into a mental state of Affect Neutrality.

It is in this way of thinking that both Affectivity and Affect Neutrality can be identified as both having limitations under conditions of specified sorts. The limitations of Affectivity, not only are applicable to Triage, but are also relevant when applied to the attachment to material items. I am not referring to family heirlooms, photos, or frequently used items like a cell phone. What I am referring to, are the instances where there is an individual with so much affection towards everything the own, that they never throw anything away.  These peoples are stereotyped as Hoarders. Such individuals that keep so much items in their home, that it constitutes an unsafe environment. It is in this form that Affectivity is actually harmful.