ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses More’s conception of emotions—presented in his selected works—his use of this conception in polemic with religious opponents, and the way he coped with his own emotional experiences. Focusing first on More’s theoretical account of emotions presented in his treatise Enchiridion Ethicum and on a few other works, More#x2019;s terminology is defined and the theoretical foundation on which his approach to emotions is based is clarified. The second part of this chapter considers More#x2019;s use of his conception of emotions in polemical tracts, primarily in his Enthusiasmus Triumphatus. Then, the chapter analyses selected excerpts of More#x2019;s letters which depict his methods of coping with emotional experiences in real life. On this basis, it is argued that the philosopher#x2019;s theoretical approach to emotions only partially correlates with his real-life reactions to them.
