Demystifying Emotions: A Typology of Theories in Psychology and Philosophy

Demystifying Emotions provides a comprehensive typology of emotion theories in psychology and philosophy, engaging in a critical examination of their scientific legitimacy. It appeals to readers in these disciplines who want to gain a deeper understanding of the controversies at play in the emotion domain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Emotions are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that have been studied extensively by psychologists and philosophers alike. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the different theories of emotion that exist in these fields. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic exploration of these theories, drawing on insights from philosophy of science to shed light on their commonalities and differences.

One of the key approaches to understanding emotions is through the lens of evolutionary psychology. This theory suggests that emotions are adaptations that evolved to help human beings survive and reproduce. Emotions such as fear, anger, and love are thought to have evolved as a way to alert us to potential threats or opportunities, and to motivate us to take action.

Another important theory of emotion is the network theory, which proposes that emotions are the result of the interactions between different brain regions. This theory suggests that emotions are not isolated phenomena, but rather are the product of complex networks of neural connections. Emotions such as happiness and sadness are thought to be the result of the interplay between different brain regions, such as the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.

Appraisal theory is another important approach to understanding emotions. This theory suggests that emotions are the result of our evaluations of our environment and our own internal states. Emotions such as fear and anger are thought to be the result of our perceptions of threats or challenges, while emotions such as happiness and sadness are thought to be the result of our evaluations of our own accomplishments or failures.

Goal-directed theory is a novel approach to understanding emotions that was proposed by Agnes Moors. This theory suggests that all kinds of behaviors and feelings are grounded in goal-striving. Moors argues that emotions are not just a response to external stimuli, but rather are a way for us to navigate our environment and achieve our goals.

While most scholars of emotion do not question the notion of emotion itself, this book engages in a critical examination of its scientific legitimacy. The author argues that while emotions are a valuable and important aspect of human experience, they are not always reliable or accurate. Emotions can be influenced by a variety of factors, including our own biases, our past experiences, and our cultural norms.

This book will appeal to readers in psychology, philosophy, and related disciplines who want to gain a deeper understanding of the controversies at play in the emotion domain. The book provides a comprehensive and systematic exploration of the different theories of emotion, drawing on insights from philosophy of science to shed light on their commonalities and differences. The book also includes case studies and examples to illustrate the practical applications of these theories.

In conclusion, emotions are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that have been studied extensively by psychologists and philosophers alike. This book provides a comprehensive and systematic exploration of the different theories of emotion, drawing on insights from philosophy of science to shed light on their commonalities and differences. The book also engages in a critical examination of the scientific legitimacy of emotion, and provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate the practical applications of these theories.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107066342