ABSTRACT

Emotions have long been of interest to philosophers and have deep historical roots going back to the Ancients. They have also become one of the most exciting areas of current research in philosophy, the cognitive sciences, and beyond.

In this book, Charlie Kurth explains the philosophy of the emotions, structuring the book around seven fundamental questions: What are emotions? Are emotions natural kinds? Do animals have emotions? Are emotions epistemically valuable? Are emotions the foundation for value and morality? Are emotions the basis for responsibility? Do emotions make us better people?

In the course of exploring these questions, he also discusses cutting-edge empirical research on emotion, feminist approaches to emotions and their value, and methodological questions on how to theorize about the emotions. The book also contains in-depth discussions of specific emotions like compassion, disgust, anxiety, and curiosity. It also highlights emerging trends in emotion research.

Including suggestions for further reading and a glossary of key terms, Emotion is ideal for those studying and researching the philosophy of emotion as well as ethics, epistemology, and the philosophies of mind and psychology.

chapter 1|21 pages

Introduction

The philosophical significance of emotion

chapter 2|39 pages

Metaphysics

What are emotions?

chapter 3|30 pages

Philosophy of science

Are emotions natural kinds?

chapter 4|22 pages

Comparative cognition

Do animals have emotions?

chapter 5|26 pages

Epistemology

Are emotions epistemically valuable?

chapter 6|29 pages

Meta-ethics

Are emotions the foundation for value and morality?

chapter 7|22 pages

Agency

Are emotions the basis of responsibility?

chapter 8|32 pages

Virtue

Do emotions make us better people?

chapter 9|11 pages

Conclusions and extensions

Where do we stand, where are we headed?