The evolutionary emergence of what we call “emotions”

‡ Submitted to Cognition and Emotion after the death of Nico Frijda, after editing by Batja Mesquita and Keith Oatley. A note on the provenance of the paper is in the manuscript.

Abstract

The term “emotion” is not precise. It refers to an assemblage of processes that contribute to how we relate to the social and physical world. We need to understand the functional bases of such processes, and one such basis is action readiness. Action readiness is the preparation for movement or action. Preparation for movement occurs in all animals. In more recently evolved species, such as birds and mammals, preparation for directed action is found as well. Action readiness is the basis for the states we now call emotions, but its importance goes far beyond emotions: action readiness is an elementary aspect of the way autonomous living beings regulate their interactions with the world.

Keywords:

• Definition of emotion
• Evolution
• Action readiness
• Intention
• Feelings

Notes

‡ Submitted to Cognition and Emotion after the death of Nico Frijda, after editing by Batja Mesquita and Keith Oatley. A note on the provenance of the paper is in the manuscript.