Rand's take on emotions

I was talking with a friend last night about Rand and Objectivism. I gave him The Voice of Reason, and he has started reading it, and has enjoyed and agreed with it thus far. The only complaint he had, was that as far as he could discern, Rand rejected emotions. Now, this is a common view that many people share; that Objectivists are so dedicated to reason, that they are completely cut off from their emotions. I told him this wasn't true, but I couldn't really explain what Rand's position was concerning emotions. I believe she had a lot to say about them in The Romantic Manifesto, however, I've lent that book out. Would anyone care to elaborate?

Post 1

Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 7:10am

There is the importance of philosophy.com article: http://importanceofphilosophy.com/Epistemology_Emotions.html

My take: Emotions are a form of sensory generated by the body. The intensity of the sensation varies. The different types of emotions and combinations at a given time varies. Emotions are automatically triggered by associations that your brain has made. Some are extremely primitive ("primitive" not implying its of lesser importance): pain from cut/bruise, some are more complex: fear of being cut/bruised when near a sharp object/quick blunt object.

Emotions are good for getting a quick general idea of what to do in a given context. If time allows, and if you feel like it... check whether your first impulse due to emotions is a good response for the given situation... the association your emotions are responding to may not be useful, you may be able to induce/deduce a better response.

Of course your hierarchy of goals is chosen by a combination of emotions and reason. Maybe you choose them by more long term emotions and used reason to make sure they were consistent and achievable? Otherwise why choose life over death, trade over murder? No emotion would be more like nirvana/nihilism. Why choose to go to work 40 hours a week over praying 40 hours a week?

Post 2

Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 12:55am

Good answer, Dean.

Ed

Post 3

Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 8:59am