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The Emotional Mind: A Philosophical Exploration
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:47
Abstract
This seminar examines the nature of emotions and their connection to reasoning. Combining classical and contemporary philosophy with research in psychology and neuroscience, it analyzes affective processes and their cognitive functions. It also offers the opportunity to reflect on the differences in approach, methodology, and aims between philosophical and scientific inquiry.
Objective
This seminar examines the nature of emotions and their connection to reasoning. Combining classical and contemporary philosophy with research in psychology and neuroscience, it analyzes affective processes and their cognitive functions. It also offers the opportunity to reflect on the differences in approach, methodology, and aims between philosophical and scientific inquiry.
Content
This philosophy seminar explores one of the most fascinating yet elusive subjects: emotions. What are emotions? How do they relate to reason, knowledge, judgment, and action? Are they purely bodily feelings, evaluative perceptions, or something else? Throughout the semester, we will examine major philosophical theories of emotion, beginning with classical accounts by Aristotle, Hume, and William James in order to introduce foundational questions still debated today. We will then turn to contemporary philosophy, engaging with works by Martha Nussbaum, Jesse Prinz, Ronald de Sousa, and others to explore a range of competing views. To complement this philosophical exploration, we will also consider what psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science reveal about emotion, drawing on texts by Antonio Damasio, Nico Frijda, and Lisa Feldman Barrett. A central theme throughout the seminar will be the relationship between emotion and rationality. Far from being mere disruptions of clear thinking, emotions play a crucial role in reasoning, decision-making, attention, memory, and knowledge acquisition. We will investigate how emotional responses guide what we notice, what we remember, and how we evaluate evidence—revealing emotions as constitutive of rational thought itself, rather than independent of or opposed to it.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 70
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | The Emotional Mind: A Philosophical Exploration | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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