The Cartesian Theory of Emotions and Early Modern Philosophy

Abstract

In this paper, I am going to present the Cartesian theory of emotions. The founder of modernity initiated deep changes in the way we understand emotions: their origin and effect on the human being. It is his doctrine of emotions that provided the basis for most discussions on issues concerning emotions in the 17 th and 18 th centuries and becamea reference point for most theories of emotion created in modern times. I attempt, in particular, to make two claims. First, I argue that Descartes’ position on the nature of the emotions is best interpreted as something between the physiological theory and the cognitive theory of emotions. Second, I argue that to understand Descartes’ account of the genesis of emotions or passions we have to take into consideration four factors: a) physiological changes, e) evaluation of the object, c) behaviour response or action readiness, d) manifestation especially in our facial expression. All those factors are part and parcel of origin of each emotion.