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Understanding mixed and ambiguous emotions - integrating neurophenomenology and literary studies.

Paul Sopcak

Cognitive Neuroscience 2023 DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2023.2181323 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Philosophy of mind
Keywords 4e cognition Mixed emotions Dynamical systems theory Literary studies Neurophenomenology
Citations 2
Key points Argues that Willems' neurocognitive model would benefit from a dynamical systems approach, neuro-phenomenology, and insights from the humanities on literary moral emotions.

Abstract

This commentary makes three suggestions on Willems' neurocognitive model for understanding mixed and ambiguous emotions and morality. First, it proposes that his atheoretical approach risks unwittingly adopting theoretical and conceptual limitations implicit in reigning paradigms and overlooking the need for theoretical impetus and constraints in the development of valid constructs of targeted emotions. Second, it suggests that a dynamical systems approach to emotions provides a fruitful theory and neuro-phenomenology as a corresponding methodology. Lastly, it proposes that Willems' objective would benefit from a more systematic integration of insights from the humanities into the nature and nuances of literary (moral) emotions.

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