The following text is about philosophy of emotion.
The debate between cognitivism and non-cognitivism about emotions centers on whether emotions necessarily involve beliefs or judgments. Cognitivists argue that fear, for example, requires the belief that something is dangerous; anger requires the judgment that one has been wronged. Non-cognitivists argue emotions can occur without such beliefs—one can fear something while believing it is completely safe. The resolution may lie in distinguishing types of emotions: perhaps some emotions require cognitive content while others involve more primitive bodily responses that occur prior to or independently of judgment.
What resolution does the text suggest for the cognitivism debate?
All emotions definitely require beliefs
No emotions ever involve beliefs
Different emotions may involve cognition to different degrees
The debate has been definitively settled
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the correct answer. The text suggests "distinguishing types of emotions: perhaps some emotions require cognitive content while others involve more primitive bodily responses that occur prior to or independently of judgment."
- Evidence: Some require cognition; others are primitive responses.
- Reasoning: Not all emotions are the same type.
- Conclusion: Variable cognitive involvement across emotion types.
Choice A is incorrect because some emotions may be non-cognitive. Choice B is incorrect because some emotions may require cognition. Choice D is incorrect because it "may" lie in this direction—tentative.