Emisism

Emisism is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the importance of the emotional aspect of human experience. It was introduced by the French philosopher Jean Starobinski in his 1970 book "Emisisme." The term "emisisme" is derived from the Greek word "emotion" and the French suffix "-isme," which denotes a doctrine or theory.

Starobinski argued that emotions are not merely subjective experiences but are fundamental to our understanding of the world. He proposed that emotions are not merely reactions to external stimuli but are active processes that shape our perception and cognition. Emisism suggests that emotions are not merely epiphenomena of the brain but are integral to our cognitive processes.

One of the key aspects of emisism is the idea that emotions are not merely individual experiences but are social and cultural constructs. Starobinski argued that emotions are not universal but are shaped by our social and cultural environments. This perspective challenges the traditional view of emotions as purely biological or psychological phenomena.

Emisism also has implications for ethics and morality. Starobinski suggested that emotions play a crucial role in our moral judgments. He argued that our moral intuitions are not merely rational but are deeply rooted in our emotional experiences. This perspective challenges the traditional view of morality as a purely rational enterprise.

Emisism has been influential in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. It has challenged traditional views of emotions and has opened up new avenues for research. However, it has also been criticized for being too vague and for lacking empirical support. Despite these criticisms, emisism remains an important contribution to the study of emotions and the human experience.