A philosophical treatise on the passions (2nd ed., corrected).Classification of the passions according to their characteristic differences.

Abstract

Affections and Passions to which the above circumstances give rise are not only innumerable, but like their exciting causes, so connected, and intermixed, that to arrange them in a lucid order, would be almost as impracticable as to form a regular path through the Hercynian Wood. Very few of the passions or affections are perfectly simple; some are extremely complex: their complexities are so various, that it is almost impossible to restore each to its appropriate place; and the most opposite affections are so intermixed, that it is very difficult to assign to each its due share of influence. This chapter classifies and describes the passions according to their differences. The first class looks at how passions and affections stem from the principle of self-love. These may be divided into two distinct Orders: that in which Love, and the Idea of Good, that is, something either beneficial or pleasing, are more immediately present to the mind; and that in which Hatred, and the Idea of Evil, are most impressive. The next classification deals with passions and affections derived from social principles. These are divided into two orders also: that in which Good is the predominant idea; and that in which Evil is the predominant idea. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)