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#844 - Dr Laith Al-Shawaf - Why Do Humans Actually Have Emotions?
Modern Wisdom
Emotions: The Dual Nature of Adaptive Responses
Emotions embody an inherent paradox; while they serve essential adaptive functions critical for survival, reproduction, and child-rearing, they can also provoke significant distress and maladaptive behaviors. Emotions extend beyond mere feeling states, encompassing a multitude of physiological and psychological responses. For instance, fear not only induces an emotional sensation but also triggers physiological changes such as heightened attention towards threats, suppression of non-essential bodily functions, and enhanced memory for escape navigation. Similarly, disgust activates immune responses and alters behavioral tendencies towards social interactions and risk-taking, aligning with the need to avoid potential pathogens. This comprehensive view underscores the importance of recognizing emotions as coordinated responses that engage various bodily systems to effectively address challenges, rather than narrowly defining them by the emotional experience alone.
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