Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Shahid Beheshti University
Abstract
This paper critically examines the challenge posed by Psychological Construction Theory (PCT) to the foundational tenets of Basic Emotion Theory (BET) regarding human emotions. BET proposes that emotions are discrete, universal categories with distinct biological underpinnings, supported by extensive cross-cultural and neurobiological evidence. Conversely, PCT posits that emotions are constructed through a dynamic interplay of physiological arousal, sensory input, and conceptual knowledge, influenced by individual and cultural factors. We argue that PCT's emphasis on variability in emotional responses does not invalidate BET. By adopting a causalist perspective on natural kinds, we demonstrate that basic emotions can be understood as distinct categories defined by their underlying causal mechanisms rather than fixed, essential properties. Our comprehensive review of empirical studies reveals evidence for distinct, albeit distributed, causal mechanisms associated with different basic emotions, reinforcing the robustness of BET despite the variability highlighted by PCT. This nuanced approach integrates the complexity of emotional experiences, offering a deeper understanding of human emotions.
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