The heuristic value of emotions

Oltre la paralisi del desiderio

Abstract

In this paper, the emotional sphere of human beings is analyzed and the heuristic-axiological value of emotions for the existential praxis of the subject is shown. First of all, the author, starting from a phenomenological point of view, distinguishes between the affective and emotional dimensions encompassed therein and then shows how adequate education of the emotions can contribute to the affective fulfillment of the person in which he or she is realized as an intentional reality capable of giving and receiving love. Education of the emotional sphere in the face of a narcissistic and promethean society, assumes, indeed, the task of removing the emotions from the temptations of the idolatry of the ego and the manipulation of otherness in order to restore them to their axiological meaning: that of nurturing and regenerating human affectivity as a horizon of personal fulfillment.