2019 Student Research Conference:
32nd Annual Student Research Conference

Aristotle's Impact on Christian Emotions


Abigail G. Atwell
Dr. Stephen Pollard, Faculty Mentor

In my research, I will be exploring how Aristotle’s philosophy of emotion impacted Western Christian theology. I will look at Aristotle’s impact on Thomas Aquinas, Origen, and Anselm. In my paper, I will present Aristotle’s ideas about emotions- when they are useful, the things that cause them to arise, and the ways in which we revise our emotions due to cognition. In contrast to other philosophical schools of his time, in particular the Stoics, Aristotle saw emotions as a valuable tool for proper social upbringing that is subject to reason. In Christian theology, there is a call to emotions including rejoicing, compassion, repentance and lament over past sins. I will explain connections between Aristotle’s positive view of emotions and Western Christianity.

Keywords: Aristotle, Christianity, Emotion, Aquinas, Origen, Anselm, cognition, impact

Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 110-3
Location: MC 211
Time: 9:00

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