In this study William Lyons presents a sustained and coherent theory of the emotions, and one which draws extensively on the work of psychologists and physiologists in the area. Dr Lyons starts by giving a thorough and critical survey of other principal theories, before setting out his own 'causal-evaluative' account. In addition to giving an analysis of the nature of emotion - in which, Dr Lyon argues, evaluative attitudes play a crucial part - his theory throws light on the motivating role of emotions in our lives, our attitudes towards our emotions and our responsibility for them.

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Three classical theories of emotion: the feeling, behaviourist and psychoanalytic theories; 2. A fourth classical theory: the cognitive theory; 3. The causal-evaluative theory of emotions; 4. The cognitive and evaluative aspects of emotion; 5. The appetitive aspect of the emotions; 6. The objects of emotions; 7. Physiological changes and the emotions; 8. Emotions and feelings; 9. Emotions and behaviour; 10. Emotion statements; 11. Emotions and motives; 12. Emotions and purpose; 13. Blaming the emotions; 14. Looking back: a summary; Bibliography; Index.

William Lyons presents a survey of psychological and physiological theories on emotion.