A Historical Perspective: Ancient Theories

Post-Aristotelian theories of emotions are predominated by ethics, religion, and concerns on how to live the 'best life'.

Choephoroi Painter: Apollo (350-340 BC)

This period is notable in the attempts (by the stoics) at defining and classifying the Passions. The body is seen as the locus or source of emotions. Emotion complexity is outlined, by itself and in relation with others.

Epicurus and Aristippus
The Stoics : 4 Basic passions, and a first classification.
Chrysippus, Posidonius and Plutarch : The intellualistic theories.
Seneca : Anger.
Plotinus : Consciousness and expression, The first 'feed-back' theory.

A Historical Perspective: Ancient Theories

Choephoroi Painter: Apollo (350-340 BC)

Editor: Jean-Marc Fellous

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