First published 2003
Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio examines the mystery of human emotions through the lens of seventeenth-century philosopher Spinoza. Joy, sorrow, jealousy, and awe shape our daily existence, yet their biological foundations remain largely unknown. Spinoza spent his career studying how emotions enable human survival, developing ideas that challenged conventional thinking of his era. Damasio combines Spinoza's philosophical insights with contemporary neuroscience research to explore the nature of human feelings. This final volume in Damasio's trilogy builds on his previous investigations of rational behavior and self-identity. The book bridges centuries of thought to illuminate what constitutes human nature and our purpose in existence.
Genres: biography, philosophy, neuroscience, academic
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, interdisciplinary
Period: 17th-Century
368 pages · Paperback · Harvest