Jesse Prinz Professor of Philosophy - Essay Example

The pivotal goal of Jesse Prinz is to challenge the two main perspectives for the formation of emotions. According to some evolutionary psychologists, emotions are the evolved adaptations and products of nature. Other psychologists believe that emotions differ across social boundaries and are socially created. “Emotions are socially constructed and evolved” (Prinz, 2004). Many psychologists claimed that the response to emotions is created to serve challenges. The author defended the views of other psychologists that the patterned change in the human body can lead to emotion. Fear can be identified through the perception of muscle tensing and heart racing. The romantic jealousy between partners has been developed through the story of evolution.

Romantic commitment between couples can be developed through love. Jealousy prevents the partners from betraying their romantic commitments. Negative supporters of evolutionary psychologists believe that emotions are socially constructed and are products of nature. Emotions are not associated with the states of bodily changes. Emotions can last long without the perturbation of the human body. Cultural factors can affect emotional and bodily responses. Randolph M. Nesse implements an adaptationist approach to explain emotions. Emotions can be shaped by the adjustable challenges of certain states. Some core emotions of human beings are sadness, happiness, anger, love, and fear. Illustrated groups of emotions described in the article state that the behavioral, psychological, and cognitive change in the human body supports the details of emotional conditions.

Reflective opinion on the article
I strongly support the qualified version of emotions provided by Randolph M. Nesse and Jesse Prinz. Jesse Prinz described emotions as the perception of bodily changes. Culture can affect bodily response. Some of the elicitation files can be biological-based. These files can influence the content of emotions. Emotions are the biological basics that can be re-calibrated with the help of culture. The composite patterns of behaviors are associated with advanced emotions. Emotions can help individuals to prepare and adapt to behavioral responses.

In the condition of elicitation, each basic emotion is built. It can be influenced by learning. “Big Six emotions are not innate but are the by-products and outgrowths of emotions” (Prinz, 2004). Randolph M. Nesse described emotions are the specialized state of operation. The inference with standard capabilities can disrupt adaptation. The sensitive defensive reaction of an individual can temper adaptation. The author provided a deeper understanding of the function of emotions. “Emotions are the modes of operation which are specialized and shaped by natural selection” (Nesse, 1990). Emotion is crucial for both evolutionary psychology and cognitive. Read More