Full Idea
In an evolutionary and cultural account of emotions, I resist the 'avocado pear' conception of emotions, that our emotional behaviour comprises an inner core of 'hard-wired' reaction, and an out element which is open to cultural influences.
Clarification
Avocados have a large hard stone and a soft exterior
Gist of Idea
Emotions are not avocado pears, with a rigid core and changeable surface
Source
Peter Goldie (The Emotions [2000], Intro)
Book Reference
Goldie,Peter: 'The Emotions' [OUP 2002], p.6
A Reaction
He is concerned with whether emotions can be educated, and defends the view that they can all be channelled or changed. In particular he rejects the idea that the stone consists of 'basic' emotions, which are untouchable.