ABSTRACT

The emotional condition that bears the term “affect” or “mood” in psychology and psychiatry is not dealt with by Aristotle in On the Soul to the extent that one would expect. Anger is characterized by Aristotle as the emotion of somebody who has been hurt and whose behaviour is punishing and vengeful. This happens when the individual is annoyed and vexed because of the humiliating actions of others, and who hence reacts with anger or revenge, so that in his imagination he feels comfort and pleasure. Calmness is defined by Aristotle as the opposite of anger and as characteristic of meek people. Fear is discussed by the philosopher from the point of view of those who may provoke fear and of whom one should be cautious. Courage is produced under certain conditions, and the Stagirite’s comments show an almost psychodynamic approach. Aristotle’s ability to make subtle differentiations between complex emotional states in simple words is remarkable.