Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What are the theories of emotion?
Position2 of 5

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

This position presents the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, which holds that physiological and emotional responses occur simultaneously rather than one causing the other. It argues, against the James-Lange view, that bodily reactions are too slow and too ambiguous to be the source of emotion.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. The relationship between physiology and emotions is not one-to-one
    The same physiological response can be associated with different emotions, or with no emotion at all.
  2. Physiological reactions are too slow to explain emotions
    A cause has to occur before its effect, but physiological responses do not always precede emotions.