Work

Some Reflections on the Goal-Directed Theory of Emotion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, I discuss the goal-directed theory of emotion as advanced and defended by psychologist Agnes Moors. I give some reasons for supporting one of its main tenets, namely, that emotional episodes involve decision-making processes. I will however object that the theory has trouble to account for some aspects of positive emotions and in general to accommodate some instances of extremely positive and extremely negative emotions. I will also argue that, in order to account for the irrationality involved in emotional recalcitrance, some sort of duality of emotional mechanisms is also required.

Source: Acta Analytica

DOI: 10.1007/s12136-025-00637-3

Author: David Pineda-Oliva

Institution: Universitat de Girona

Language: English

Topic: Emotions and Moral Behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: Universitat de Girona, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación