Comparison between the Stoic Theory of Emotion and the Common Sense Theory of Emotion -- ChatGPT

 

ChatGPT,

The theory of Stoicism which follows contains within it the Stoic theory of emotion. Please generate a comparison between the Stoic theory of emotion and the common sense theory of emotion.

""Stoicism" is the theory that:

a) Emotions are caused by value beliefs (beliefs about what things are good or evil).

b) I am my soul/prohairesis/inner self.

c) Everything else, including my body, is an external.

d) No externals are ever good or evil.

e) All beliefs that externals have value are, hence, false.

f) All feelings that result from false value beliefs are, therefore, pathological and should be eliminated. This includes all fear, grief, and anger, as well as mental "pleasure", passionate love, etc. We eliminate them by changing the false value belief that generated the emotion.

g) Any feelings that arise from true value beliefs are not pathological. The primary example of this is "Joy".

h) Some feelings do not arise from a cognitive source, and hence are by definition indifferent externals. This includes 'startlement', physical pleasures and pains, and a few other things.

i) The goal of life is eudaimonia.

j) Eudaimonia includes both living a virtuous life and living a life of positive feelings.

k) Living a virtuous life is necessary for eudaimonia [because it is part of the very definition of eudaimonia], and is also sufficient for eudaimonia [because the virtuous person will experience Joy, a positive feeling, and no negative feelings whatsoever]" (Grant C. Sterling).


"ChatGPT"

"Comparison between the Stoic Theory of Emotion and the Common Sense Theory of Emotion:

"Stoic Theory of Emotion:

• Emotions are caused by value beliefs: According to Stoicism, emotions are a result of our beliefs about what things are good or evil. Emotions arise from our judgments and evaluations of external events.

• Emphasizes the inner self: Stoicism considers the individual's inner self, often referred to as the soul or prohairesis, as the core aspect of their being. The inner self is seen as distinct from the external world, including the body.

• External events are indifferent: Stoicism posits that everything external to the inner self, including the body, is considered indifferent and does not possess inherent value or moral significance. External events are beyond our control and should not dictate our emotional state.

• Pathological emotions and false beliefs: Stoics view emotions resulting from false value beliefs as pathological. Fear, grief, anger, and passionate love are seen as examples of emotions rooted in false judgments. The goal is to eliminate these emotions by changing the false value beliefs that caused them.

• True value beliefs and joy: Emotions arising from true value beliefs are not considered pathological. The primary example of such an emotion is joy. Joy stems from accurate judgments and aligns with the Stoic notion of virtue.

• Some emotions are indifferent: Stoicism acknowledges that certain emotions do not have a cognitive source and are therefore regarded as indifferent externals. These include startlement, physical pleasures and pains, and a few other experiences.

• Goal of life is eudaimonia: Stoicism identifies the goal of life as eudaimonia, which encompasses living a virtuous life and experiencing positive feelings. Eudaimonia is achieved through aligning one's judgments and emotions with virtue.

• Virtuous life and eudaimonia: Living a virtuous life is deemed necessary for eudaimonia because virtue is an integral part of its definition. Stoics argue that virtuous individuals will experience joy and be free from negative emotions, leading to a state of eudaimonia.


"Common Sense Theory of Emotion:

• Emotions have various causes: The common sense theory of emotion suggests that emotions can have multiple causes, including cognitive appraisals, physiological responses, and social factors. Emotions can arise from a combination of internal and external stimuli.

• Emphasizes a holistic view of the self: Common sense views the self as an integrated entity comprising both internal and external aspects, including thoughts, bodily sensations, and social interactions. The body and mind are seen as interconnected.

• Valence and significance of external events: External events and circumstances can have inherent valence and significance, impacting emotional experiences. Positive events tend to elicit positive emotions, while negative events evoke negative emotions.

• Emotional responses vary: Common sense acknowledges that emotions are complex and diverse. They can range from basic emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear to more nuanced emotional states influenced by personal experiences, cultural factors, and individual differences.

• Acknowledgement of adaptive emotions: Emotions are considered adaptive responses that serve various functions, such as providing information, motivating behavior, and facilitating social interactions. Some emotions may be beneficial in specific contexts.

• Role of cognitive appraisal: Cognitive appraisal plays a significant role in the common sense theory of emotion. The evaluation and interpretation of events, based on personal beliefs and goals, contribute to the emotional experience.

• Subjective experiences of emotions: Common sense recognizes that emotions are subjective experiences, varying in intensity and duration. Emotional experiences are influenced by individual interpretations and can be influenced by social and cultural factors.

• Multiple goals and sources of well-being: Common sense acknowledges that well-being and fulfillment can stem from various sources, including but not limited to living a virtuous life. While virtue and moral values may be important aspects of a fulfilling life, common sense recognizes that individuals can find happiness and satisfaction through diverse pursuits such as personal relationships, career success, personal growth, and leisure activities.

"To summarize, the Stoic theory of emotion and the common sense theory of emotion differ in several aspects. Stoicism emphasizes the role of value beliefs in shaping emotions, considers external events as indifferent, and aims to eliminate pathological emotions through changing false value beliefs. On the other hand, the common sense theory recognizes multiple causes and sources of emotions, acknowledges the significance of external events, and highlights the subjective and multifaceted nature of emotional experiences" (ChatGPT).