Modern Wisdom #844 - Dr Laith Al-Shawaf - Why Do Humans Actually Have Emotions?
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Sep 28, 2024 
Dr. Laith Al-Shawaf, an evolutionary psychologist and associate professor at UCCS, dives into the fascinating world of human emotions. He explores why we feel emotions, their evolutionary significance, and how they shape our behavior and social interactions. From joy to envy, Al-Shawaf discusses the adaptive functions of our emotions and their dual roles in survival and social cohesion. He contrasts modern emotional challenges with traditional community support, offering insight into the complexities of feelings and their impact on mental wellbeing.
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Emotions' Evolutionary Purpose
- Emotions are adaptive, serving functions like fear protecting from danger and disgust protecting from pathogens.
- Emotions help us navigate social situations, like anger in negotiations and love in bonding.
The Emotion Paradox
- Despite their usefulness, emotions are often seen as irrational due to the distress they can cause.
- This "emotion paradox" highlights their dual nature: adaptive yet sometimes detrimental.
Emotions as Coordinating Mechanisms
- Emotions involve more than just feelings; they encompass changes in our body, brain, mind, and behavior.
- Fear, for example, not only makes you feel afraid, but also heightens perception and narrows attention.
