THEORIES OF EMOTION
DR.DEEPASREE

BIOLOGICAL THEORIES:
 The biological origins of emotion seem to have
originated with the suggestion by the philosopher
William James in 1884 that emotions are a function of
sensory and motor areas of the neocortex.
 This theory was set aside by the work of (Cannon and
Bard in 1929) showing that emotional reactions
require the use of the hypothalamus.
 Then, on the basis of such observations, Papez in
1937 suggested a group theory involving the
hypothalamus, anterior thalamus, and hippocampus.

The biological perspective suggests that emotion
is influenced by biological systems and
performances and is based on physiological,
responses.
 It has been suggested that there is a possible
interaction between cognitive and biological
processes that influence emotions.
The biological theory focuses on the particular
parts of the brain that are thought to be involved
within emotional processes.
The amygdala, within the temporal lobe, is
thought to be important within emotions

EVOLUTIONARY THEORIES:
 An evolutionary perspective leads one to view the mind as a crowded
zoo
of evolved, domain-specific programs.
 Each programme is functionally specialized for solving a different
adaptive problem that arose during hominid evolutionary history,
such as face recognition, foraging, mate choice, heart rate
regulation, sleep management, or predator vigilance, and each is
activated by a different set of cues from the environment.

 A superordinate program is needed that
coordinates these components, snapping each
into the right configuration at the right time.
 Emotions are such programs.
 According to the evolutionary theory of emotion,
emotions are there because they enhance the
process of evolution.
 They make us respond quickly to the influences
in the environment
 which allows us to improve our chances of
success and persistence in the environment.

 Charles Darwin was the one who exposed
those emotions have followed progress
because they are adapted and allow people and
animals to survive and multiply.
 The emotions of love and devotions cause
people to seek their mate and multiply.

 Feelings of fear require human beings to
provoke or evade the source of risk.
 Understanding and identifying the
emotions of others in the same way plays a
crucial role in protection and resistance.
 By being able to decipher the passionate
expressions of other people we can,
express risk earlier and better.