CHAPTER I INSTINCT AND EMOTION 1. The meaning to be assigned to the terms 'Emotion' and Instinct' IN any attempt to estimate the part which the emotions play as factors of human character, it is important first to distinguish those which are primary, which reappear in the same or in modified forms in the higher systems of the sentiments, and are the source of a number of more complex emotions that we class as 'derivative.' This principal aim determines for us the problems that directly concern us. We have first to analyse the systems of the emotions; to distinguish their impulses and tendencies; to observe the results which they normally accomplish, and which they seem organised to achieve; and finally to judge from these several considerations whether they are primary or derivative. The results which emotions are fitted to produce can be traced (1) by observation of their behaviour; when foresight of these results is present, (2) by introspection, and in general, (3) by an analysis of their systems. Following upon this problem we have, as everywhere in this work, to attempt to trace some of the laws of these primary forces-as those of their action and interaction; for one emotion may either strengthen another or weaken it, may either blend with it into one complex emotion or hold itself distinct. Now, among the root forces of character we must include some of the instincts: for such instincts as seizing' and 'walking' would not be called forces of character, although they may be constituents of such forces. With the various instincts of flight,' of 'concealment,' of 'fighting' and 'killing,' and many others connected with the emotions, it is different; and animal character is mainly constituted of them. For behind the anger or fear that we feel there are the instincts of anger and fear hidden in the organism, and the force which the one has may be, in part or whole, the effect of the force which the other has. The problem of the relation between these forces, the one operating in consciousness and the other beneath it, cannot be set aside, even if we can only obtain a partial solution of it. The words 'instinct' and 'emotion' have been used in a great variety of meanings. Emotion' is frequently used to signify intense feelings, involving wide diffusion of nervous excitement and marked modification of the organic functions. Such a use excludes all the fainter degrees of anger and fear, joy and sorrow, which are still the same forces of character, though working at a lower degree of intensity or strength. "Emotion" is also used in a very abstract sense to include the passive feelings of the mind, but to exclude both the impulses combined with them, and the cognitive element which is also an inseparable part of the same mental fact. 'Emotion,' finally, may be used to denote all those forces that are alternating in our minds with so little respite, as joy and sorrow, anger and fear, disgust and curiosity, hope and despondency, anxiety and disappointment, at all degrees of intensity at which they can be felt and recognised; for it is these that are collectively known as 'the Emotions.' Our purpose determines the choice we have to make, and we select the third use of the term. We require the term to denote concrete facts, not abstract elements, facts which are at the same time forces of character, such as everyone discerns fear and anger to be. 'Emotion' for us will connote not feeling abstracted from impulse, but feeling with its impulse, and feeling which has essentially a cognitive attitude, however vague, and frequently definite thoughts about its object. The thoughts of anger and fear are quite familiar to us: we have only to hear someone express them in order to know that he is angry or afraid. |