Aristotle on Emotion

by W.W. Fortenbaugh

When "Aristotle on Emotion" was first published it showed how discussion within Plato's Academy led to a better understanding of emotional response, and how that understanding influenced Aristotle's work in rhetoric, poetics, politics and ethics. The subject has been much discussed since then: there are numerous articles, anthologies and large portions of books on emotion and related topics. In a new epilogue to this second edition, W.W. Fortenbaugh takes account of points raised by other scholars and clarifies some of his earlier thoughts, focusing on the central issue: how Aristotle conceived of emotional response. Among other matters, he considers laughter, emotion in relation to belief and appearance, the effect of emotion on judgement, and the involvement of pain and pleasure in emotional response.

Genres: Philosophy

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

William Fortenbaugh is Emeritus Professor of Classics, Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences (New Jersey).

Reviews

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Politics, Aristotle disapproves of the flute, "which makes the usage of words impossible." Children who grow up listening to and playing the flute habituate bad moral character.