Abstract

This dissertation examines various theories of emotions, locates them within specific traditions of inquiry, and then assesses the problem-solving capacity of each tradition. First traditions of inquiry are defined as sets of metaphysical, methodological, and empirical assumptions and are thereby distinguished from theories. Next a number of theories--from those of Aristotle, Aquinas and Descartes to those of Freud, Sartre, and Solomon--examined and assigned to one of three major traditions of inquiry. The theories and their respective traditions are then evaluated to determine their particular limitations. The dissertation concludes by suggesting which tradition of inquiry is likely to prove most rewarding in the study of emotion