Post by michellespencer on Nov 1, 2017 1:38:22 GMT
The history of evolution
In relation to his tree image for emotions, Damasio writes, “The history of evolution is written all over that tree” (p. 38). Explain what he means by this statement and why it is important with respect to his view of emotions.
Damasio believes that the image of the tree can be used to explain how, as humans, we have evolved to behave and think in a way that will help us to not only survive but to have a sense of well-being. He goes on to explain the different layers and branches of the trees in terms of how we have evolved as humans- the lowest branches being homeostatic regulation (immune responses and metabolic regulation), the middle level being pain and pleasure behaviors, the next level up being drives and motivations and the SECOND tallest level being emotions proper (joy, sorrow and fear). Damasio believes that in the beginning, all living creatures are born with the lowest level-- the basic requirements to survive. He says "all living organisms, from the humble amoeba to the human are born with devices designed to solve automatically, no proper reasoning required, the basic problems of life". The "lowest branches" of the tree explains this. The whole idea behind the tree image is that we have grown as a species to have pain and pleasure responses, and to eventually have emotions, as a way to better our chances of survival and of passing on our genetics to another generation. Damaiso believes that all these parts of the tree are now present at birth but the reasoning behind the emotions changes throughout the lifetime. Damaiso believes that the highest level of the tree is dedicated to "feelings" because he believes feeling proceed emotions. Damasio goes on to explain the "nesting princple" and how "each reaction consists of tinkered arrangements of bits and parts of the simpler process below". All the parts have the same goal in mind- survival and well-being. This last point is really important to explain Damasio's view of emotions-- all of the parts that were there to help a person survive and thrive have been built into emotions and we evolved to have emotions to help us to have well-being and survival.
Michelle
In relation to his tree image for emotions, Damasio writes, “The history of evolution is written all over that tree” (p. 38). Explain what he means by this statement and why it is important with respect to his view of emotions.
Damasio believes that the image of the tree can be used to explain how, as humans, we have evolved to behave and think in a way that will help us to not only survive but to have a sense of well-being. He goes on to explain the different layers and branches of the trees in terms of how we have evolved as humans- the lowest branches being homeostatic regulation (immune responses and metabolic regulation), the middle level being pain and pleasure behaviors, the next level up being drives and motivations and the SECOND tallest level being emotions proper (joy, sorrow and fear). Damasio believes that in the beginning, all living creatures are born with the lowest level-- the basic requirements to survive. He says "all living organisms, from the humble amoeba to the human are born with devices designed to solve automatically, no proper reasoning required, the basic problems of life". The "lowest branches" of the tree explains this. The whole idea behind the tree image is that we have grown as a species to have pain and pleasure responses, and to eventually have emotions, as a way to better our chances of survival and of passing on our genetics to another generation. Damaiso believes that all these parts of the tree are now present at birth but the reasoning behind the emotions changes throughout the lifetime. Damaiso believes that the highest level of the tree is dedicated to "feelings" because he believes feeling proceed emotions. Damasio goes on to explain the "nesting princple" and how "each reaction consists of tinkered arrangements of bits and parts of the simpler process below". All the parts have the same goal in mind- survival and well-being. This last point is really important to explain Damasio's view of emotions-- all of the parts that were there to help a person survive and thrive have been built into emotions and we evolved to have emotions to help us to have well-being and survival.
Michelle
