Abstract
Sociology helps us both to recognize and to design the reality of our society. We live with others that have multiple bodies, values, and beliefs. That plurality of our society is the cognitive starting point of normative social theory. The purpose of this theory is to inquire about the way various people can coexist. At the same time, some assert that we all share common values. In that sense we may find solidarity in the face of Summum Malum (the supreme evil) as we unite against it. Although this assertion is right on the whole, one problem remains: How do you define Summum Malum? Modern American philosopher Richard Rorty suggests that Summum Malum is cruelty. He claims that “cruelty” includes not only physical pain but also mental pain or “humiliation” as he calls it. This study takes a twofold approach to Rorty. Our initial inquiry is into both Rorty’s idea and a critique thereof by Eric Gander. Secondly, the paper outlines how it is difficult to avoid “humiliation” in actuality for various reasons. Nevertheless, I insist that the avoidance of mental pain must be though of as one of our public aims. ln order to achieve this aim it is helpful to listen to the voices of humiliated people.
