Maria Alleluia

Article response 1
What is Meant by Calling Emotions Basic
In this article, we explore the meaning of what an emotion is. The article
brings up the topic of emotions through the standpoint of evolution. It seems
reasonable to me that emotions have been carried down since the beginning of the
human race. It raises the question: when the first human was born, was it innate for
them to have these seven universal emotions, or did emotions develop over a
lifetime? I believe that some emotions are innate to our species (and other species)
both psychologically and physically. An example of this is fear; when we are
frightened by something, such as a lion, the emotion of fear allows for the release of
adrenaline allowing us to run faster. Also when people are in a state of fear they
tend to sweat. I hypothesize that this trait could have provided evolutionary
benefits, as the sweat creates a slippery surface making it harder for a predator to
grab the person who is running away. I found that the articles viewpoint of
evolutionary emotions is intuitively plausible and comprehensive.
Reconstructing the Past: A Century of Idea About Emotions in Psychology
In this article, we are able to understand views on emotions throughout
history. While reading, it felt as though it was more philosophically based rather
than psychologically. One perspective that particularly intrigued me was Herbert
Spencers. His belief was that emotions are intricately linked to cognition. I agree
with him, as I think that our values that are initially constructed through conscious
cognition during life experiences. For example an environmentalist who studies the
importance of renewable energy over fossil fuels will cognitively, thoughtfully make
a value judgment that fossil fuels are harmful. This will impact them in the form of
an emotion if shown a picture of a polluting smokestack. The environmentalist,
because of his previous cognitive judgment, feel an immediate, innate reaction of
disgust when shows the picture. This person first had to reflect and form a belief in
environmentalism to acquire such a reaction. The article points out that Spencer
believes emotion involves representations of past experiences. This supports my
perspective on emotions and cognition, for the past experiences of cognition and
memory of such are what triggers the rapid emotional response.