SOC344 2020 Tut 2 – Mon 12.30pm

We have long conceived of a separation between mind and body in western society, with supremacy of mind over body. This basic idea that reason should dominate is captured in the classic statement by Descartes ‘cogito ergo sum’, ‘I think, therefore I am’. However, if your thoughts are affected by your bodily feelings, or even your perceptions of how the society around you sees you, then what are you? What are your thoughts? Are they really separate from your body and your feelings? And do we have a better understanding of the relationship between reason and emotion as a society today? Compare Disney’s take on the role of emotions in human action in 1943 and in 2015 (and note that the producers of the 2015 ‘Inside Out’ film considered including ‘logic’ as an emotion, but later decided to drop it). Which of these depictions makes more sense to you?

#S344UOW20  #Tut2  #Mon1230

Posted in SOC327 - Emotions Bodies and Society, UOW.

23 Comments on SOC344 2020 Tut 2 – Mon 12.30pm

Amber Jones said : Guest Report 5 years ago

BLOG ONE: The mind/body split dates back to Ancient Greece with each community creating their own variations. This split shows a clear divide between the mind and body; however, it is clear just in our personal daily decision making that they do work together. Reason and Emotion (1943) has a strong emphasis on reasoning becoming a part of our decision-making process after various life experiences. It depicts thinking emotionally in a negative light, with emotions often leading us to (physical or mental) danger. In comparison, Inside Out (2015) conveys the idea that there are various emotions that are consistently working together to balance us out. The depiction of Inside Out is more plausible to me as it shows the complexity of emotions and how strong of an influence they can have on us. Barbalet (1998) shows a similar theme as Inside Out with the idea that emotions are an important part of elaborate thinking. He made an interesting point about emotions being influenced by social structures, further proving the point of Inside Out that emotions are complex.

Emma Wellington said : Guest Report 5 years ago

Cartesianism derived by Rene Descartes was highly influenced by the context of the time in which this notion was postulated, the 17th century (Greco, F. 2007). Cultural beliefs were highly conservative and religious alongside a social structure quite different to modern times. In modern times, science and technology has assisted to evolve understanding of the mind and body supporting that thoughts are affected by the body and bodily feelings, which I agree with. Hormones and cortisol are a great example of the impact the body can have on the mind, which philosophers in the 17th century were not aware of, further explaining the reasoning behind popular philosophies at that time. Recent research indicates neither the mind or the body have superiority, the gut microbiome and brain axis support this notion (Dinan, T. 2017). For example, irritable bowel syndrome has been linked to anxiety which can be triggered from either the mind or the body. Personally, having this condition I can absolutely support this. As explored by Peggy, A. (1989) further understanding of emotions and emotional processes as sociological phenomena is required to better understand the relationship between reason and emotion. It is however encouraging to see the transition of understanding thus far in industries, films, schools and within generalised society. The Disney film emotions and reasons mentioned above compared to the inside out film demonstrates there is a better understanding of the complexity of emotions and an increasing focus on emotions and behaviour. At what age is it suitable to start teaching children about the complexity of emotions and behaviours to reduce problems later in life for their mind and body? Dinan, T & Cryan, J. 2017. Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis and Mental Health. Psychosomatic Medicine Fraser, M & Greco, M 2005. ‘What is a body’, The Body: A Reader, Routledge, London, pp43-46. Peggy, A. 1989. The Sociology of Emotions Author: Thoits Source: Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 15 (1989), pp. 317-342 #S344UOW20 #Tut2 #Mon1230

Bronte Petrolo said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The essential readings look at the transition from the mind/body split, and investigate the complexity of emotions, particularly through social interactions. Wouters (2004, p. 199) examines this through “manners books”, formalising one's actions. However, it is noted that manners have become informalised overtime, with the ease of social mobility (Wouters 2004, p. 194). Patulny and Olson (2019, p. 12) discuss the "civilising process" through mentioning the "looking glass", whereby individuals have become socially aware and can modify their actions accordingly based on others' perceptions of them. I believe my current feeling of being “content” is not only “social” from the support of my family and friends amidst this chaotic time. But, it is also “complex”; a mixture of “calm and “happy”. The last time I felt something ambiguous was last week with the university’s changes. It was a mixture of familiar emotions; overwhelmed, sad and afraid. As individuals we are so quick to compartmentalise our emotions, thus is it possible that basic emotions; like happiness, are not simply just one distinct emotion, but have actually been catalysed by other emotions?

Addie Isedale said : Guest Report 5 years ago

BLOG 1: The Mind/Body Split Throughout history, both the mind and body have been studied and deconstructed in extreme depth by multiple theorists. Each of these theorists have a different approach on the way our thought process can be effected, either by reason or emotion. To this day, our society continues to observe and question the impacts of emotion and how it contributes to the decision making process. It is clear that there is an evident physical difference between the mind and body, although there is still a connection between the two. These connections between the mind and body assist with our decision making process that we use every single day. When taking a look at the Disney films, Inside Out (2015) and Reason and Emotion (2007) there was an obvious difference of how emotions are perceived. Reason and Emotion viewed emotion to be a negative whereas Inside Out portrayed how important emotions are for making decisions in our everyday life. When looking at the two movies, I would definitely have to agree with Inside Outs portrayal of emotion as I believe all emotions play a role working collectively together to form a level of reason. Decision making occurs daily in each individuals life, whether it be something minor or a major life decision. In my opinion, having a balance of both emotion and reason (or rationality), if a decision is made with a higher amount of one or the other, an outcome may not be reached.

Nasreen Heydari said : Guest Report 5 years ago

Can we really accept that "extreme differences between all social groups in there's of power, ranking, behaviour and management of emotion diminished"?.

Shanice Pereira said : Guest Report 5 years ago

Variations of Mind and Body split have resided within Western cultures dating back to the Ancient Greek and spanning to recent research from Jack Barbalet. Ancient Greeks’ had a high regard for the body and had two main ways of thinking about how the mind and body worked: materialist – the physical influences of the body and the mind and ascetics – the self-discipline for religious purposes. Barbalet states three approaches between emotion and rationality: the conventional approach, the critical approach and radical approach. It is stated that all three are necessary for instrumental rationality as the acknowledge ‘attitudes, customs, or as belonging to some other category’ which brings basic understanding of how emotions operate (Barbalet 1998, pp.29-30). Out of ‘Reason and Emotion’ (1943) and ‘Inside Out’ (2015), made both by Disney, both have the similarities with their both being in control when creating and making decisions. The depiction from Inside Out makes more sense as it is able to highlight the positives and negatives of all of the emotions and the collaboration of multiple emotions when coming to decision making.

Justin Davis said : Guest Report 5 years ago

Like most things in psychology and philosophy, the mind body problem will never have one answer that definitively proves one or the other, but rather we will discover more about the relationship between the two. For example the experience of one Mr Phineas Gage (Recap, damaged brain led to personality shift) is strong, hard evidence that our physical body has direct influence on our mental self, in opposition of the mind body split being a pure separation of the two. Additionally, research into the amygdala for PTSD research shows that damage caused by prolonged extreme stress, can cause permanent shifts in behaviour in veterans. If it was the case that the mind was separate to the body, then we would not be able to detect a physical reason for this change in behaviour. The concept of Epiphenomenalism states that while our physical state can give rise to a mental state, ie a stressful environment can give rise to stressed minds, a stressed mind cannot produce stressed body. This is something else that modern science and understanding combats, with studies of depressed individuals showing things such a decreased body temperature and lowered immune systems. As someone who copes with mental disorder on the odd occasion, I stand by the idea that sometimes the mixed signals of the body disorder the mind, but other times the mixed ideas of the mind disorder the body. I know its very middle of the road thinking but does anyone else living with mental illness feel they have the same experience?

Nasreen heydari said : Guest Report 5 years ago

These texts by Bericat and Barbalet are a great introduction to the Sociology of Emotion. Most of us would be shocked to find out this study was neglected until fairly recently. While most of us would probably realise that emotions are complex and multi-layered we may not be so aware of the role played by social forces in arousing emotions and determining how they are displayed.

Hayley Kruger said : Guest Report 5 years ago

To answer the question are your thoughts really separate from your body and your feelings, one may argue that they are all intertwining. To elaborate, emotions and rationality are synonymous, according to Barbalet (1998), and therefore the body must respond accordingly. That is, as supported by David Hume actions are emotionally driven and are carried out by means chosen and implemented by intention. As an example, Dr Simone Schnall (2014) speaks about how people’s behaviours and attitudes shift based on how they feel at the time, and obstacles may seem simple or difficult dependent upon one’s internal state at the moment. This then implies that we as a society today have a better understanding of the association between emotion and reason. As the alternative theory is that emotion, as illustrated by Disney’s 1943 short film Reason and Emotion, is the opposite of rationality. That is, the film visualizes that decision making is of a dual nature, in that there is a separation between the mind and body.

Claudia St John said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The division between the Mind and the Body is a subject that has been discussed through much of history and which spans over several fields of research. Disney’s portrayal of Reason and Emotion in the 1943 adaptation would seemingly be in agreement with the conventional approach asserted by Descartes, Freud and Weber. Whilst Emotion is depicted as uncontrollable, compulsive and distracting, the voice of Reason is respectable, thoughtful and composed. The short propaganda emphasizes how Emotions are seemingly uncontrollable urges, which affect how the body itself feels, for instance the indulgent eating and sexual desire. What was made prominent were the consequences of such “compulsions”, gaining weight and being slapped in the face, not to mention the gendered nature these consequences of emotions had. However, in the end Reason was there to save the day “In the driver’s seat” whilst Emotion is suppressed. In contrast, Disney’s 2015 film Inside Out illustrated how emotions work together to “indicate which problems reason has to solve” (Frank in Barbalet, 1998). The Five emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust guide rational decision-making and therefore align with the critical approach to the distinction of Emotion and Reason. It is interesting to see how society’s understanding of the distinction has progressed; personally I am of the opinion that the critical approach is more plausible as it attempts to find a middle ground between the two.

Mikayla Ede said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The Mind/Body Split: The opposition between language of ‘emotion’ and ‘reason’ are rooted in the thought that an individual can either be emotional or rational, with either being a dominating force which determines behaviour. As mentioned from Lecture Two, throughout philosophy there has been a theory that reason is separate from our emotional state, as Hippocrates (460-377BC) suggests a materialist view that the mind and body are separate yet have influence on another, and further claims elements of the physical body such as blood and black bile could determine personality. It was these themes of dualism between the body and mind that formed the mind/body split phenomenon. However, as Barbalet (2001) highlights, there are other relationships between emotion and reason that exist such as emotion and reason acting alongside another and emotion supporting reason. These relationships are seen from a statement from Hume (1740) that claims every action performed with a calm mind is essentially made with reason, acknowledging the influence of steady emotions. And so, what are our thoughts? Disney presents a powerful image of emotion in ‘Inside Out’, a 2015 film that suggests emotion strongly controls behaviour. The depiction that feelings such as anger decide how a person will consider a situation is interesting when related to the mind/body split phenomenon as it seems Disney has progressed from an understanding that reason and emotion are separate, shown in their 1943 cartoon that reveals emotion as responsible for foolish behaviour while reason is used for practical skills, into a modern view that claims reason can arise from emotion. In answering the universal question of whether our thoughts and feelings are separate, the argument that emotions determine our behaviour is most convincing as reason can be found in emotional behaviour as well. For instance, the exercise suggested by Dr. Nevid in Psychology Today offers insight into how emotion can change thoughts and behaviour. This article can be found here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-minute-therapist/201512/feeling-your-thoughts. From this, it could be questioned to what extent can emotion determine and/or influence behaviour?

Mikayla Ede said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The Mind/Body Split: The opposition between language of ‘emotion’ and ‘reason’ are rooted in the thought that an individual can either be emotional or rational, with either being a dominating force which determines behaviour. As mentioned from Lecture Two, throughout philosophy there has been a theory that reason is separate from our emotional state, as Hippocrates (460-377BC) suggests a materialist view that the mind and body are separate yet have influence on another, and further claims elements of the physical body such as blood and black bile could determine personality. It was these themes of dualism between the body and mind that formed the mind/body split phenomenon. However, as Barbalet (2001) highlights, there are other relationships between emotion and reason that exist such as emotion and reason acting alongside another and emotion supporting reason. These relationships are seen from a statement from Hume (1740) that claims every action performed with a calm mind is essentially made with reason, acknowledging the influence of steady emotions. And so, what are our thoughts? Disney presents a powerful image of emotion in ‘Inside Out’, a 2015 film that suggests emotion strongly controls behaviour. The depiction that feelings such as anger decide how a person will consider a situation is interesting when related to the mind/body split phenomenon as it seems Disney has progressed from an understanding that reason and emotion are separate, shown in their 1943 cartoon that reveals emotion as responsible for foolish behaviour while reason is used for practical skills, into a modern view that claims reason can arise from emotion. In answering the universal question of whether our thoughts and feelings are separate, the argument that emotions determine our behaviour is most convincing as reason can be found in emotional behaviour as well. For instance, the exercise suggested by Dr. Nevid in Psychology Today offers insight into how emotion can change thoughts and behaviour. This article can be found here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-minute-therapist/201512/feeling-your-thoughts. From this, it could be questioned to what extent can emotion determine and/or influence behaviour?

M.W. Yeung said : Guest Report 5 years ago

Week two, blog one - The Mind and body split In the “Reason and Emotion” the part of Mr John Doe can depict the current social climate (panic buying toilet paper all over the world), while emotion take a hold of the reasoning, the statement from Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’, might not apply on those situations, Barbalet have point on as they might not be conscious of those emotions or toward others (p. 39). The same can be said with the movie “Inside Out”, the character Riley had shown case the common human emotion in a normal way, by comparing the incidence of panic buying (ABC News, 2020) with the movie, we can tell the relation between rational analysis and emotion, might not come in hand to hand in an unknown situation.

James Strachan said : Guest Report 5 years ago

SOC344 Blog 1 - Mind/Body Split In the lectures for the topic of the notions of the mind/body split, the origins as they are explained are thought to have been adopted by the philosophers of the ancient Greeks because they venerated the body with events such as the Olympics which was a show of masculinity for those involved and those who spectated. Specifically Hippocrates had the understanding that the mind an body were separate which theoretically is called 'dualism' whereby both the body and mind followed an equal path alongside each other, however Hippocrates also believed that the body could also affect the mind. the notions of dualism however began to be questioned by positivist science in the modern era by the likes of Darwin and Turner who argue that our emotions have evolved from the primate species. in a sense modern thoughts and bodies have evolved or mutated from animal to human biologically.

James Strachan said : Guest Report 5 years ago

SOC344 Blog 1 - Mind/Body Split In the lectures for the topic of the notions of the mind/body split, the origins as they are explained are thought to have been adopted by the philosophers of the ancient Greeks because they venerated the body with events such as the Olympics which was a show of masculinity for those involved and those who spectated. Specifically Hippocrates had the understanding that the mind an body were separate which theoretically is called 'dualism' whereby both the body and mind followed an equal path alongside each other, however Hippocrates also believed that the body could also affect the mind. the notions of dualism however began to be questioned by positivist science in the modern era by the likes of Darwin and Turner who argue that our emotions have evolved from the primate species. in a sense modern thoughts and bodies have evolved or mutated from animal to human biologically.

Azrun Paulson said : Guest Report 5 years ago

SOC344 Blog One: The Mind/Body Split The contentious nature of the mind/body split is intriguing as society continues to question the role of emotion in decision making. Although Descartes’ quote, ‘cogito ergo sum’ is quite powerful, on the other side, Franks (2015) states, ‘the world is not just seen but felt’. The TEDx Talks’ (2014) discussion on a subjective reality was interesting. This holds similarity to Franks (2010), who agrees that emotions impact our perception and alters information usually considered fact. If cognitive processes are a combination of our perceptions of ourselves and others, then we are both physiological and emotion processes. Throughout recent work aimed at neurosociology there has been both support and disregard of past theorists. However, there is more knowledge regarding the nature of emotion then previous eras focused on emotion (Franks 2015). Taking a shift to the depiction of emotion within Disney films, both films depict emotion to be present in decision making. The Inside Out Official Trailer (Movieclips Trailers 2015) highlights that emotion is crucial for logical decisions, compared to Reason and Emotion (Uhfotis 2007) where emotion is depicted as negative. To raise a question, how much influence does emotion possess when interpreting reality, and does this vary between the stages in one’s life? Also, the question regarding gender norms pointed out by Bronte Petrolo in the blog replies is also one that holds relevance today as emotion is relative when in accordance to gender. Reference List Franks, DD 2010, Neurosociology: The Nexus between Neuroscience and Social Psychology, Springer, New York. Franks, D 2015, ‘Emotions and neurosociology’, in JE Stets & JH Turner (eds), Handbook of the sociology of emotions: Volume II, Springer, Heidelberg, pp. 267-281. Movieclips Trailers 2015, Inside Out Official Trailer #2 (2015) – Disney Pixar Movie HD, online video, 10 March, YouTube, viewed 15 March 2020, . TEDx Talks 2014, How your bodily state affects your perception: Simone Schnall at TEDxOxbridge, online video, 16 June, YouTube, viewed 15 March 2020, . Uhfotis 2007, Reason and Emotion, online video, 8 April, YouTube, viewed 15 March 2020, .

Stephanie Moore said : Guest Report 5 years ago

SOC344 Blog Post Week 2: The Mind-Body Split – Stephanie Moore The historical narrative of the human mind and body, conversely engages theories of ancient Grecian and Renaissance philosophers, such as Hippocrates and Descartes, by the splitting and separation of these within humans; and modern scientific thinking removing dualism and the reconnection the split in Evolutionary theories by Darwin and Turner and Neurobiological theories such as Epigenetics, particularly in notion of emotions. Descartes’ “Cogito, Ergo Sum (I think; therefore I am)” famously explains without a mind an individual person is nothing. This could be evidently displayed within the medical context of a patient being determined as ‘brain dead’. Without the activity from the brain, a body (and the organs within it) simply cannot continue on existing on its own. The body needs instructions (thoughts as you will) and regulations from the brain to perform their necessary functions. These organs are unable to think/act on their own, hence when an individual is brain dead, the person (body) is determined as deceased. Although the ears still may be in functioning order and have the physical ability to hear sound, without the presence of a mind to interpret the message of sound and memory associated with sound, they are just an organ. However, if one examines this same scenario through an Evolutionary lense, these same organs are usually still in functioning order and are able to be placed within another body. A transplant patient may receive a new kidney or heart (from the patient who was brain dead) and the primary function of that organ can still be performed within the new recipient’s body. In contrast of the mind/body split and the modern theories of reconnection, where does the emotions sit within this example of a brain-dead patient?

Kenneth Cai said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The Mind/Body Split set up a dichotomy between what is believed to be ‘reason’ and ‘emotion’, treating them as diametrically opposed and therefore hierarchical. The conventional approach asserts the mind as rationality, thus, superior due to its associations with stability, progress and development, leading to advancement. This implicates a gender binary as well as lends itself to a biological disposition and thus evolutionary hierarchy. Previously, it has been used to justify divisions within society. Weber assets rationality as created by purpose and carried out with a conscious awareness evaluating outcomes and implications of any given circumstance(s) (Barbalet 1998, p.40; Weber 1905). This approach is challenged by the critical approach which asserts that ‘emotion organises and moves the brain into action’ (Franks 2015), which captures that notion that emotion and rationality as intertwined and inform one another, enabling and facilitating them to action within an individual and society. Indeed, the traditional approach has been entirely debunked and acceptance of the critical and radical approach supports both scientific and sociological understanding of how the body and mind are unitary components in the machine of the body. Though the critical approach is most supported by theory and scientific methods, the radical approach posits rationality and emotionality as continuous, not simply that they inform one another but generate and affect one another, but on a conscious level, as opposed to the critical approach which proposes that on an unconscious level, they influence the affect.

Hallie Churchill said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The split between the mind and the body has been heavily theorised and criticised throughout history and within this contemporary society. The way that an individuals thoughts are impacted and affected by their bodily emotions shows that although there is a physical split between the mind and the body, there is still an influential connection between the two concepts as without these connections a persons bodily emotions would not impact upon their emotions or decision making process. The most prominent concept of this idea is the argument over whether emotions or reason should take the prominent impact upon a persons emotions, decision making and life. Throughout the observation of the 1943 film Reason and Emotion used in relation to WW11 propaganda and the 2015 film Inside out, The 1943 film puts reason at the fore front and emotion on the back end which is reminiscent and reflective of its time period. The idea of the relationship between reason and emotion changing influence is explored in Blarblet’s Emotion social theory social structure rationally, as it shows “changing time impacts the union of reason and emotion”. When asked to side with one or the other I align with the concepts of the 2015 Inside Out film in which all emotions work in collage ration with each other in order to create a level of reason. I believe that in order to have a heathy decision making conscience one must equally asses what they believe there emotions and reason are influencing them to do to come to a ‘middle decision’. If this is not achieved and a decision is made with too much emotion or too much reason there may not be a desired result. This also aligns with the concept of modern social contexts.

Bronte Petrolo said : Guest Report 5 years ago

The conventional approach on reason and emotion regarded "reason… [as] the center of human being" (Barbalet 1998, p. 33). This approach viewed one's thought process as being "an autonomous capacity" which was not influenced by any socialisation processes (Barbalet 1998, p. 33). However, the critical approach still acknowledges the differences between reason and emotion but notes that both must collaborate to create "a unified outcome" (Barbalet 1998, p. 38). This is because emotion "organises the brain" and helps one consider and order possibilities when thinking rationally and making decisions (Franks 2014, p. 270). Thus, the depiction that possesses greater credibility is Inside Out (2015) as it displays the emotions’ collaboration and connection to one's thoughts, body and mind. However, for a recent film, it contains flaws through its stereotyping of gender and emotions. Reason and Emotion (1943) deserves merit for its final remarks on the balancing of reason and emotion. Nevertheless, it still prioritises reason over emotion through using stereotypical and WW2 imagery to scare one from listening to "emotion". Similarly, this film stereotypes emotions and gender through displaying emotional men as vulgar and emotional women as “losing their figure”. Another example, is the depiction of Hitler, who preyed on people’s weaknesses; their emotions, indicating that emotion leads to war. Although these films highlight the progression in our understanding on reason and emotion, why are individuals, particularly women, still being told to "not be so emotional", when it is apparent that one needs to listen to their emotions to be rational?

Jade Ryan said : Guest Report 5 years ago

Blog one: The mind/body split The role emotion plays within human actions in Reason and Emotion (1943) is one of a constant ‘battle of mastery’ between both emotion and reason. Emotions are shown as ‘primal urges’ to be fought and reason as being necessary for civility in human action. Disney’s depiction aligns with the conventional approach Barbelet (1998) outlines which places emotions as the opposite of reason, as a dualism. Inside Out (2015) contrasts this conventional approach by depicting emotions and reason in human action as more nuanced. By taking a more critical approach, emotions are shown to compliment logic or ‘reason’ within human actions, as giving support to rationality by providing goal formation. Reason garners support from emotions (Barbelet 1998). The depiction of emotions, reason and human action by Inside Out (2015) makes more sense, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of how emotions, reason and human actions can interact and interplay with one another. Despite this, what are the explanations Barbelet (1998) outlines which aid in the persistence of the conventional approach to reason and emotion?

Amelia Skinner said : Guest Report 5 years ago

SOC344 Blog Post Week 2: The Mind-Body Split Amelia Skinner - 5440531 The 1943 depiction of ‘Reason and Emotion’ as World War II Propaganda views the two as polar opposite concepts that fight for control constantly. It is a traditional application of the Conventional Approach that locates responsibility to the individual person, resulting in the conclusion that what one does must be a consequence of what one thinks (Barbalet, J. M.). This interpretation links to Descartes’s statement, ‘I think, therefore I am’, which places reason at the centre of the human experience, and culminates in the distrust of emotion. In ‘Reason and Emotion’, there is such scepticism about emotion that the film depicts Nazi Germany’s reason being ‘enslaved’ with emotion, that Hitler manipulates and preys on in order to enforce his rule. Comparatively, Disney’s ‘Inside Out’ (2015), displays the more Critical Approach towards emotions and reason, which views habits and emotions as core in understanding the pragmatic efficiency of our everyday behaviour. The film depicts an 11-year-old girl’s five core emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who help Riley navigate the world. Inside Out’s personification of five ‘emotions’, as opposed to ‘Reason and Emotion’s’ two characters, specifically does not portray ‘Logic’. However, this arguably makes the film more similar than dissimilar to ‘Reason and Emotion’, as both ultimately conclude that when we find a balance between our emotions (especially the more challenging ones, like sadness), we have the ultimate ‘human’ experience. Personally, I believe that reason itself is created from specific emotions, that are subjectively reactive to the individual circumstances of every action. Even if reason is more ‘dominant’, emotion is still displayed on the body even unconsciously. For example, like in ‘Reason and Emotion’s depiction of a woman’s emotion taking control and making her eat junk food instead of sticking to her diet, if she instead made the ‘logical’ choice of having a salad instead, her physical response could be to grimace while eating the meal. Even if she is reasonably eating a salad because she knows it is what is good for her, her emotions still can be displayed by her physicality.

Alec Webb said : Guest Report 5 years ago

BLOG ONE: THE MIND/BODY SPLIT The relationship between emotion and reason as displayed in Reason and Emotion (1943) is based upon a fight between the two concepts, always raging a ‘ceaseless battle for mastery’ (Grant, J et. al.). Barbalet (1998) introduces emotion as contextually cumbersome to reason, describing a truly reasonable person as one who’s emotions are completely removed from them (p. 34). The apparent absurdity of emotion is also reflected in Reason and Emotion (1943) by description of the complete absence of reason being ‘mad emotion’. The relationship between reason and emotion in Inside Out (2015) is depicted through the idea that all aspects of our emotions are working together to produce something that resembles a sense of ‘reason’. This is opposed to how ‘reason’ and ‘emotion’ are depicted in Reason and Emotion (1943) as the eventual harmony that achieved between Riley’s emotions in Inside Out (2015) can be characterised as a successful achievement of ‘reason’ without the demise of emotion. Overall, the idea Inside Out (2015) of emotions being aspects of self that come together to create semblance of the reductionistic concept of ‘reason’ seems to make the most sense in social contexts today. REFERENCES Barbalet, J 1998, ‘Emotion and Rationality’, Emotion, Social Theory & Social Structure: A Macrosociological Approach, Cambridge University Press, p. 34 Doceter et. al. 2015, Inside Out, Pixar Animation Studios, Film Grant, J et. al. 1943, Reason and Emotion, Walt Disney Productions, Short Film

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