Single Idea 23946

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / c. Role of emotions]

Full Idea

The passions are uniquely subjective, although they sometimes pretend to have a certain objective status. They are not concerned with the world, but with my world. They are not concerned with 'the facts', but with what is important.

Gist of Idea

The passions are subjective, concerning what is important to me, rather than facts

Source

Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], Intro.5)

Book Reference

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.19


A Reaction

Values pick out what is 'important'. This idea sums up Solomon's rather solipsistic view of emotions. I accept that emotions are responses, rather than objective judgements, but there is objectivity in their social dimension. Why care about politics?

Related Ideas

Idea 23944 Emotions are our life force, and the source of most of our values [Solomon]

Idea 23940 Emotions are strategies for maximising our sense of dignity and self-esteem [Solomon]