Emotional Self-Knowledge

This volume explores the relationship between self-knowledge and human emotions, highlighting the need for dialogue between philosophers of emotion and self-knowledge. It examines the role of emotions in self-knowledge and offers insights into the potential benefits of paying attention to our emotions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate interplay between self-knowledge and the realm of emotions, shedding valuable light on the affective dimensions of self-awareness and the crucial roles that emotions and other affective states play in either facilitating or impeding our understanding of ourselves. Serving as the first dedicated book to explore the topic of affective self-knowledge, it offers a groundbreaking exploration of the relationship between self-knowledge and human emotions, a relation that has often been overlooked but deserves profound attention.

While philosophers of emotion have traditionally emphasized the central role of affectivity in shaping our identities, the philosophical literature on self-knowledge has primarily focused on cognitive states, neglecting to accord emotions a special place. This lack of dialogue between these two fields and with other philosophical traditions, such as phenomenology and Asian philosophy, has resulted in a fragmented understanding of the complex interplay between self-knowledge and emotions.

To address these gaps, this volume brings together a diverse group of philosophers from various relevant disciplines, including philosophy of emotion, philosophy of mind, epistemology, philosophical psychology, and phenomenology. Through a series of insightful chapters, the book explores two interconnected sets of questions:

Firstly, does the philosophical literature on self-knowledge underestimate the significance of our affective lives in shaping who we are? Or is it rather that philosophers of emotion overestimate the role of emotions in self-knowledge? By engaging in a rigorous and nuanced examination of these questions, the volume aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between self-knowledge and emotions.

Secondly, what is the role of emotions in self-knowledge? How can we cultivate self-knowledge that is attentive to the emotional dimension of our lives? The book offers a range of perspectives, drawing from various philosophical traditions and employing diverse methodologies, to explore the possibilities and limitations of emotional self-knowledge.

Emotional Self-Knowledge is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students engaged in the study of philosophy of emotion, philosophy of mind, epistemology, philosophical psychology, and phenomenology. The book's chapters are written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, Chapter 1 and Chapter 10 of the book are freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license, allowing scholars and researchers worldwide to access and benefit from the insights presented in this important work.

In conclusion, this volume offers a groundbreaking exploration of the affective dimensions of self-knowledge, shedding light on the roles that emotions and other affective states play in shaping our understanding of ourselves. By bridging the gap between philosophy of emotion and philosophy of self-knowledge, as well as engaging with other philosophical traditions, the book contributes to a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of the human experience. As such, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the fields of philosophy, psychology, and the study of emotions.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032317106