Final Project Proposal

In Pathos, we have explored the often-ignored realm of affect and emotion—the various pathe that Aristotle identified as integral to human thought and experience. We have discussed this arena from several angles, seeking to construct a clear understanding of it however possible, and have further specified the dynamics of this realm—largely, in contrast to the more traditionally considered realm of the rational or logical. Now, as we conclude our admittedly limited study, I am left with some conception of this very real sphere and the intense power and influence it has over human beings.

While I somewhat entered this course thinking that, for lack of a better contrast, reason trumped (or should trump in the best circumstances) emotion, I now see, to some extent, that the world of affect spoken of by Aristotle actually operates largely independently of reason, and, in reality, has at least an equal effect on our human experience. Consequently, I now find myself with somewhat of a dichotomy or a continuum [or something else], unclear about the relationship between these two realms.

It seems to me that research into this realm would have many applications, especially research into how the realm of the rational and the affective interact with each other. If we could learn to use reason to direct this realm or to describe it in some way, how could this impact our emotional experience? How could this influence decision making and our analysis of the world on several levels? Surely, the relationship of these two realms, and our understanding of it, would provide sharp insight into many aspects of human life.

For this project, I would like to address, or perhaps just pose, these questions and their implications for individuals who have what diagnosticians deem “emotional disorders.” First, I would like to explore how the dynamics we have discussed in this course show themselves in individuals such as these and what these individuals tell us about the affective realm. In addition, I want to explore the impact an understanding of a link between the rational and the affective might have in the experience of these individuals and suggest that this consideration would be instructive for all individuals, whether disabled or not. Some specifics follow:

• Given the breadth of this topic and the time limitations, I would like to address these issues in the form of a reflective essay. This essay would incorporate personal experience and observation that would relate some of the key concepts of the class to individuals with emotional disorders.

• The essay would simply pose issues; it would not seek to answer questions or prove an argument per se. Rather, the argument would be that these questions are significant and worthy of further consideration.

• The first part of the essay, perhaps 60-70%, would incorporate some narrative and some amount of studies or evidence with commentary, drawing from the content of the course and the authors we have read and highlighting how many of these concepts can be seen in or further informed by individuals with emotional disorders.

• The second part of the essay, perhaps 20-30%, would build on the experience of these individuals and describe—again through both experience and some form of empirical evidence—the significance of a bridge between the rational and the affective for these individuals.

• The remainder of the essay, the content of which might be interspersed throughout the essay, would include some consideration as to what all the previously mentioned discussion and reflection shows us about the relationship of the two realms for all human beings.

• For the visual/aural component of the project, I will incorporate some discussion of visual and aural items that can affect individuals with emotional disorders, either as therapies or in other ways; these items and their influence—whether positive or negative—will serve as further illustrations of the nature and significance of the affective and its relationship to the rational.

This reflective essay will not seek after depth of proof or breadth of coverage; rather, it will serve as my reflections related to the possible implications, applications, and further considerations regarding the content of this class with which I am leaving both Pathos and college, quite curious where the answers—if any—might lie.