The emotions occupy a central place in human life. At the same time, they present deep philosophical problems that have preoccupied philosophers such as Aristotle, David Hume and William James. Are emotions feelings, thoughts, or experiences? If they are experiences, what are they experiences of? Can emotions be rational? Is there a science of the emotions? The Emotions: A Philosophical Introduction introduces and explores these questions and more in a clear and accessible way while presenting an original account of the emotions. The authors discuss the following key topics: the diversity and unity of the emotions the relations between emotions and desires the nature of values and how they relate to the emotions the relations between emotions and value judgements perceptual theories of the emotions the role of bodily awareness within the emotions the justification of emotions the nature and roles of affective explanations. Including chapter summaries and guides to further reading, The Emotions: A Philosophical Introduction is an ideal starting point for any philosopher or student studying the emotions.
It will also be of interest to those in related disciplines such as psychology and political theory.
