Wes referred in our Spinoza discussion to Antonio Damasio, a figure in neuroscience influenced by Spinoza. Here he describes the emotions’ role in decision-making:
Watch on youtube: http://youtu.be/1wup_K2WN0I
Spinoza agrees that decision-making is based on emotion. Even a “rational” decision, i.e. one made in a calm manner by considering the alternatives, requires an emotional component to actually choose a path and move forward.
-Mark
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:37:48 — 89.6MB)
Discussing Books II through V of the Ethics. Continues the discussion from Ep. 24.
What is the relation between mind and body? How do we know things? What are the emotions? Is there an ethical ideal for us to shoot for? What is our relationship to God?
Our rational nature prevails over urges to scream, sleep, or slap each other as we plow to the end of this strange and thorny text.
Read a free version online or purchase the book.
End song: “When I Think of You” from The MayTricks’ Happy Songs Will Bring You Down (1994).
