The Structure of Emotions

• Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Formal insight; 2. Pivotal distinctions; 3. Factive emotions; 4. Epistemic emotions; 5. The trivilisation of emotions: James and Schachter; 6. Th epassivity of emotions; 7. Folk psychology, pretend play and the normality of knowledge; References; Index.

'By emphasising the ineluctably causal nature of the emotions his analysis fits in well with contemporary work on the causal theory of action and thought. It also makes for a clear picture of how emotions influence, and on occasion explain, intentional action. An important thesis of Gordon's book is that most emotions have a propositional object, that is, are directed to actual or imagined states of affairs. This theme is convincingly developed, and leads to a number of instructive dictinctions. I heartily recommend this book.' Donald Davidson