Aristotle
Aristotle (384-322 BC): The physiology of Emotions
Most of the thinking on the physiological basis of emotions is due to Aristotle
followers (The Peripatetics). They introduced the concept of emotional
expression as part of emotional experience. Most of the physiology revolve
around the concept of Pneuma.
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Pneuma:
- Inner breath (introduced by Hippocrates
).
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Source of vital power in the organism.
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Mechanically responsible for movements of the limbs.
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Located in the heart, source of body heat.
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Influence the blood (temperature, viscosity and purity) which in turn influences
mental life.
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Emotions are due to the pneuma-driven, motion of blood in the body. This
motion is responsible for the expression of emotions.
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For example:
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Timidity = due to thin blood.
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Fear = due to cold blood = redistribution of vital heat due to the motion
of blood from the top to the bottom, and from the outside to the inside
of the body. Consequences:
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Trembling of voice = spasmodic heart beat, as the heat is removed.
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Shrilling of voice = due to a decrease of air flow, consequence of the
heat withdrawal (from the 'top').
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Thirst = due to excessive heating of the stomach (internal) region.
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Excretion = excess of heat (liquefaction) in lower viscera.
Relevant References
Author: Jean-Marc Fellous
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