Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman
Ep86 "What are emotions?"
Jan 6, 2025
Lisa Feldman Barrett, a pioneering psychologist and author of 'How Emotions Are Made,' joins the discussion on the nuanced world of emotions. She challenges the idea of universal emotional expressions, emphasizing how culture and context shape our feelings. The conversation explores how emotions are constructed rather than fixed biological responses. Barrett also delves into the links between emotions, cognition, and mental health, offering insights into managing our emotional experiences and reconsidering how we interpret feelings.
50:07
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Emotions are not universal responses but constructed experiences shaped by culture, context, and personal history, challenging traditional views.
- Understanding emotions as signals of bodily states can lead to better mental health treatments by addressing the underlying issues of emotional distress.
Deep dives
Understanding Emotion and Cognition
Emotion and cognition are two distinct yet interconnected processes in the brain. While cognitive neuroscience has garnered much research attention, emotions play a pivotal role in guiding behavior and decision-making. Emotions drive an organism's actions and responses by giving purpose to cognitive processes, suggesting that without emotions, cognition lacks direction. Affective neuroscience focuses on the study of emotions, revealing that understanding emotions is essential for a comprehensive view of brain function.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
