Post by won on Nov 4, 2017 2:36:34 GMT
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.
“The history of evolution is written all over that tree” is a metaphor for the complexity of emotion. The tree symbolizes growth and reaching for something greater. The tree is separated into 4 sections or into tiers. The lowest tier is the simplest but the strongest to manipulate as it is ingrained in the basic form of life. But as we go up the tree, it becomes weaker but more sophisticated. He purposefully labeled certain things in such ways that demonstrate the process in which evolution probably took place. I think he is mentioning the tree on the bases of human beings because the complexity he is mentioning can be only achieved by humans. Emotions can become extremely complex. Just because emotions act in the notion of automatic responses, a constant fight against the internal/external environment to maintain homeostasis doesn't necessarily mean it is less important than feeling. It is the emotion that makes up the majority of the "tree" after all.
“The history of evolution is written all over that tree” is a metaphor for the complexity of emotion. The tree symbolizes growth and reaching for something greater. The tree is separated into 4 sections or into tiers. The lowest tier is the simplest but the strongest to manipulate as it is ingrained in the basic form of life. But as we go up the tree, it becomes weaker but more sophisticated. He purposefully labeled certain things in such ways that demonstrate the process in which evolution probably took place. I think he is mentioning the tree on the bases of human beings because the complexity he is mentioning can be only achieved by humans. Emotions can become extremely complex. Just because emotions act in the notion of automatic responses, a constant fight against the internal/external environment to maintain homeostasis doesn't necessarily mean it is less important than feeling. It is the emotion that makes up the majority of the "tree" after all.