A Theory of Feelings

(Paperback)

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A Theory of Feelings examines the problem of human feelings, widely understood, from phenomenological, analytic, and historical perspectives. It begins with an analysis of drives and affects, and pursues the nature of "feeling" itself, in all of its variability, through a close study of the distinctive categories of emotions, emotional dispositions, orientive feelings, and the passions. As such, the starting point of the anlysis entails an examination of the characteristics of human involvement, or our ways of being in the world. Building upon this assessment of the conditions of human involvement, the philosophical history and emotional economy characteristic of modern relationships is treated, and the nature of expression, social division, suffering, and responsibility is evaluated in light of the theory of feeling presented here. The book is recommended to anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and cognitive science.

Reviews

Since its initial publication in 1979, Agnes Heller's A Theory of Feelings has remained an unsurpassed point of reference for understanding this pivotal, if subterranean current of the Western philosophical tradition. Remarkably, in the wake of the postmodern critique of reason, Heller's book has become even more timely than when it first appeared. This new edition reinforces Heller's status as one of the most innovative philosophical minds of the last half century. -- Richard Wolin, Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science, CUNY Graduate Center

Author Bio

Agnes Heller is the Hannah Arendt Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research and a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.