Analysis of the Work of Jesse Prinz - Essay Example

The feelings of human beings cannot be regarded as emotions. Feelings can be necessary but not crucial components of emotions. Despite notifying that feelings are not sufficient components, they can be regarded as contingent components. Lastly, feelings are not components but can be detecting emotions. The author reveals that the views of the Fundamental Axiom of feeling can be right and wrong. From the author's point of view, emotions can be felt without any other components. Some of the strategies implemented for the explanation of feeling are Contingent Part View and Non-Part View.

Jesse Prinz believes that defenders of these strategies have the right to state that there can be emotions without feelings. But the author is not supportive of the views of defenders (Prinz, 2005). The emotions of any individual can be unconscious. Whenever emotions are felt, then emotions can be regarded as part of feelings. Emotions can be viewed as unconscious when emotions are in interoceptive states. The evidence of anecdotes also proves that emotions can be unconscious. Experimental, theoretical, and anecdotal reasons prove that emotions are not always felt. Sometimes emotions can be felt and then it is the time to suggest that feeling is emotions. The patterned change in the human body can create conscious perception. This can eventually lead to emotions.

Reflective opinion on the article
I strongly support the qualified version of the emotion theory provided by Jesse Prinz. Extensive evidence in the article indicates that emotions are feelings. Emotions can be experienced as the result of bodily changes. When perceptions of bodily changes are conscious, then feelings can be regarded as the components of emotions. Bodily changes can occur unconsciously and then emotions are not felt. The emotion of an individual can be characterized by mental state and psychological experiences. Emotions help others to understand our feelings. It is easier to communicate with other people with the help of emotions.

Emotions provided information about the nature of people and can allow others to communicate effectively. When people are not aware of their surroundings, then it is hard for people to create any emotions and feelings. For example, someone hears a window breaking sound and tries to find out if anyone broke into the house. It is difficult for individuals in that situation to feel. The intense emotion of an individual negates any feeling. A person is more focused on listening to the location of the intruder. This resembles the fact that unconsciously, emotions are not felt. An individual undergoing something consciously can create feelings and emotions. Read More