ABSTRACT
The laws of emotion summarize the main points of how one can view emotions as natural, fully determined phenomena. Formulating a set of laws of emotion implies not only that study of emotion has developed sufficiently to do so but also that emotional phenomena are indeed lawful. Discussion of the laws of emotion is therefore best preceded by stating a principle of passion. The Law of Situational Meaning contains the gist of what has often been called cognitive emotion theory or appraisal theory, initiated by M. B. Arnold, R. S. Lazarus, and Bob Solomon. But even apart from sensitivities, the Law of Concern is the basis for understanding emotions. Emotions are subject to the Law of Apparent Reality. The Law of Change can take treacherous forms, as adaptation level is not its only frame of reference. The Law of Hedonic Asymmetry is a stern and bitter law. The Law of Care for Consequence, too, is largely a law of emotion.
