Your “thought + meaning” theory of emotions is wrong. Emotions are not cognitive constructs based on sensations, as the old James-Lange theory states.

Bruce, you might be interested in reading this critique of the “natural kinds” theory of emotion. You seem to be referring to affect, which I don’t use synonymously with emotion.

Read Jaak Panksepp,

I have,

Affective Neuroscience.

I own it. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dd-le9qArQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmXKkd7co_M&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fks8ZwW27LY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbfHjRd_-OU&feature=related

Bruce

You don’t want people to think that their emotions are “wrong” and trying to suppress them, or feel guilty about them. While there may be more constructive emotions one can feel to cope with a particular situation, they cannot deny or condemn the emotions they already feel.

“Not all belief systems are rational (consistent with reality). Therefore, if our emotions are consistent with our belief system, they can still be irrational, because they are inconsistent with reality.”

I agree with what you are saying.

I take a more nitpicky approach to the language though. :) I wouldn’t say that emotions are irrational. I see them as always being rational — rational responses for a particular person given their particular belief systems, and their particular “logic” (which may mean a lack of).

It’s as if thoughts are the black lines of blueprint, and emotions just add color and texture to the blueprint. The color and texture just go where they’re supposed to go, to better represent whatever’s being modeled.

I just think it’s more constructive to keep the “illogical” language away from emotions — because it *can* invalidate emotion in some unintended way. Not that you have done this in your comment though!

When speaking of consistency, it’s important to point out whether the consistency is between emotions and a belief system, or emotions and the facts of life. Not all belief systems are rational (consistent with reality). Therefore, if our emotions are consistent with our belief system, they can still be irrational, because they are inconsistent with reality.

To develop a better relationship with our emotions, it’s essential that we acknowledge the fact that reason and emotions play different roles in our lives: the former is used to direct us towards our destination and the latter is used to propel us towards it (as you mention).

This doesn’t mean that the two aren’t connected: reason will condition our emotions, and our emotions will condition our reason. It doesn’t mean that one is lesser than the other, or can be a substitute for the other. Both are essential and both should be embraced, if we wish to lead a healthy, human life.