Single Idea 23951

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / a. Nature of emotions]

Full Idea

By emotion [affectus] I understand the modification of energy of the body by which the power of action is aided or restrained.

Gist of Idea

Emotion is a modification of bodily energy, controlling our actions

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675]), quoted by Robert C. Solomon - The Passions 3.4

Book Reference

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.86


A Reaction

[no ref given] Solomon gives this as the earliest version of the 'hydraulic' model of emotions, later found in Freud and Jung. Very unusual to give a wholly physical account of these psychic states.

Related Idea

Idea 23952 I say bodily chemistry and its sensations have nothing to do with emotions [Solomon]