Do Emotions Represent Values by Registering Bodily Changes? Cover Image

Do Emotions Represent Values by Registering Bodily Changes?
Do Emotions Represent Values by Registering Bodily Changes?

Author(s): Eva-Maria Düringer
Subject(s): Philosophy, Psychology, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: emotion; value; intentionality; teleosemantics;

Summary/Abstract: This paper outlines Jesse Prinz’s theory that emotions represent values by registering bodily changes, discusses two objections, and concludes that Prinz’s theory stands in need of modification: while emotions do represent values, they do not do so in the first place by registering bodily changes, but by processing information about how things we care about fare in the world. The function of bodily changes is primarily to motivate and prepare us for action.

  • Issue Year: 16/2009
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 62-81
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English