Analyzing Social Interaction

Abstract

I wish to begin by making five key points with respect to the role of social norms in the exercise of subjective and moral autonomy. The first point is that social norms contribute to the perception of certain forces as dangerous, and of others as securing. For example, subjects may learn to perceive germs, mental illness, self-defeating thoughts, and unprotected sex as dangers, and they may learn to perceive aseptic environments, mental health, productive thoughts, and protected sex as securing. I have called these problems and their solutions objects of fear and desire, while I have called the signs that trigger their experience signs of danger and security.