Gabriel Tarde

Abstract

This chapter is dedicated to Gabriel Tarde and will analyse the theory related to the social logic of emotions, based on the couple’s “desire-belief”. According to the French sociologist, the emotions play the role of driving action and creating social interaction. This argument can be summarized through the following points: (a) the concept of logic in the construction and management of social relations; (b) the role played by the couple’s “desire-belief” in the structuring of society; (c) the role played by the leading subjects in the emotional contagion process; and (d) the emotional meaning of religion meant as social glue and as first element of integration between the members of the society.