The Reason/Emotion Divide in Contemporary Philosophy of Psychology

Abstract

Reason and emotion have long been regarded as separate faculties or functions of the mind, and this dichotomy, in turn, has been associated with binary constructions of gender difference. Throughout the history of Philosophy, men have tended to be viewed as more active, intellectual, and rational, whereas women have tended to be viewed as more passive, corporeal, and emotional. Furthermore, the alleged distinction between emotion and thought has served to reinforce the notions that women and men are fundamentally different, and that men are superior. This way of thinking continues to influence philosophical discourse. Indeed, much of the work being done in contemporary Philosophy of Psychology involves an implicit acceptance of the reason/emotion divide. I will argue that if we reject this reason/emotion divide, we thereby can undermine any ideological support it provides in favor of dichotomous gender categories.