The Psychology of the Emotions by Théodule Ribot

The Psychology of the Emotions is an examination of the emotions that form the vary basis of being human. It was authored by French psychologist Théodule-Armand Ribot, best known for his work on retrograde amnesia. Ribot also wrote extensively about human emotions, with a particular focus on the physical aspects of emotions.

The Psychology of the Emotions begins by examining the two most pervasive schools of thought relating to human emotions at the time of Ribot's writing. The author details both the intellectualist thesis, which states that emotions are part and parcel of human intelligence, and the physiological thesis, which states that emotions are primitive, instinctual, and exist separate from the thinking mind. While Ribot does not fully subscribe to either of these theories, he borrows elements from both. The book is divided into two major sections, with the first section examining emotions and their broad manifestations: happiness and pain and the everyday feeling of humans. Part two details what the writer refers to as "special emotions", more complex feelings that Ribot attempts to trace to their very origin within the brain.

The Psychology of the Emotions is a well-researched and concisely presented examination of human emotions - Hardly a surprise as Théodule-Armand Ribot continues to be considered one of the foremost researchers into human emotions, and this title is perhaps his most significant work on the subject. Readers seeking a detailed examination of emotions and their manifestations are encouraged to add The Psychology of the Emotions to their library.