Abstract

This is a reasonably thorough consideration of various views regarding what pain is. Historical approaches to the problem are discussed and criticized. The two chapters, "Is Pain a Sensation?" and "Is Pleasure a Sensation?," serve as a good introduction to the difficulties of the issue. Much conceptual confusion due to ambiguity of the terminology is clarified. Also presented are contemporary views, including those based on recent empirical research. This leads to Trigg's conclusion that although physical pain is usually regarded as both a sensation and an emotion, it is actually only a sensation, independent of the fact that it normally disturbs us.--B. L.