Beyond Variability: A Causal Perspective on Basic Emotions

Abstract

This paper explores the debate between Basic Emotion Theory (BET) and Psychological Construction Theory (PCT) regarding the nature of emotions, focusing on the challenges PCT poses to BET's claims of universality, discreteness, and biological underpinnings. By examining empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this paper argues that the variability in emotional responses, often cited by PCT proponents as a challenge to BET, does not negate the existence of distinct basic emotions with biological foundations. Instead, the paper proposes a refined understanding of BET, emphasizing a causal perspective that focuses on the underlying mechanisms of emotions rather than solely on fixed physiological signatures.

Keywords

• emotions
• natural kinds
• basic emotion theory
• psychological construction theory