Concept
Passions (philosophy)
Overview
philosophical concept
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
In the original texts
Passages from public-domain books where Passions (philosophy) is discussed.
According as the probability inclines to good or evil, the passion of joy or sorrow predominates in the composition: because the nature of probability is to cast a superior number of views or chances on one side; or, which is the same thing, a superior number of returns of one passion; or, since the dispersed passions are collected into one, a superior degree of that passion. That is, in other words, the grief and…
David Hume, Philosophical Works, v. 2
names the idea; a chapter is titled for it; states what it is; opens on it
The influence of the relations of ideas is plainly seen in this whole affair. If the objects of the contrary passions be totally different, the passions are like two opposite liquors in different bottles, which have no influence on each other. If the objects be intimately connected, the passions are like an alcali and an acid, which, being mingled, destroy each other. If the relation be more imperfect, and consists…
David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature
names the idea; a chapter is titled for it; states what it is; opens on it
But though these two orders of passions are so apt to mislead us, they are still considered as necessary parts of human nature: the first having been given to defend us against injuries, to assert our rank and dignity in the world, to make us aim at what is noble and honourable, and to make us distinguish those who act in the same manner; the second, to provide for the support and necessities of the body.
Adam Smith, The Essays of Adam Smith
names the idea; states what it is; opens on it
There is a time when all passions are simply fatal in their action, when they wreck their victims with the weight of their folly,—and there is a later period, a very much later period, when they marry with the spirit, when they “spiritualise” themselves. Formerly, owing to the stupidity inherent in passion, men waged war against passion itself: men pledged themselves to annihilate it,—all ancient moral-mongers were…
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, The Twilight of the Idols
names the idea; states what it is; opens on it
The passions themselves, the desires or aversions, the joys or sorrows, which those objects excited, though of all things the most immediately present to him, could scarce ever be the objects of his thoughts. The idea of them could never interest him so much as to call upon his attentive consideration.
Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments
names the idea; opens on it
Philosophers who discussed Passions (philosophy)
Related ideas
- Emotion
- Philosophy
- Roberto Mangabeira Unger
- Religion
- Action (philosophy)
- Baruch Spinoza
- Natural philosophy
- Reason
- Rationalism
- Ethics
Place in the tradition
Part of Kathleen Higgins.