More on James and the Physical Basis of Emotion. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reisenzein, Rainer; Stephan, Achim
• Is Part Of: Emotion review. Volume 6:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: bodily feedback theory -- Cannon's theory of emotion -- constructivism -- embodiment -- emotion and motivation -- emotional experience -- evolutionary theory of emotion -- facial feedback -- James's theory of emotion; Emotions -- Periodicals; Emotions -- Research -- Periodicals; 152.4
• DOI: 10.1177/1754073913501395
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-0739

Abstract

We first present a reconstruction of James's theory of emotion (JATE) and then argue for four theses: (a) Despite constructivist elements, James's views are overall in line with basic emotions theory. (b) JATE does not exclude an influence of emotion on intentional action even in its original formulation; nevertheless, this influence is quite limited. It seems possible, however, to repair this problem of the theory. (c) Cannon's theory of emotion is a centralized version of JATE that inherits from the latter theory a potentially fatal flaw, the insufficient physiological differentiation of emotions. (d) The core claim of JATE, that emotions are bodily feelings, is very likely false.