A simple phenomenological exercise.
Due at the beginning of class, 31 March 2008.

Introspection obviously has many problems, but that doesn't mean one shouldn't try it once in a while.

Over break, try to catch yourself having some occurrent emotion.

Note then:

1. the cause of the emotion (if you can);
2. the content or object of the emotion (the thing it refers to, if it refers to anything -- this may just be the cause, but might not be);
3. the bodily reaction (if any) that you have.
   
   Having noted these three things, then:
   
   
4. Do William James's phenomenological exercise. Do you think it would be an emotion without the bodily reaction?
5. What if any judgment, or collection of beliefs and desires, was involved? Do you think that these are necessary for that instance of an emotion? Sufficient for it?

Write up your thoughts on tasks #1-5 in a short description (I would think 1 page or a little more would be enough).
(If you have worries about the meaning of "bodily," say so, and describe the meaning you ascribed to the adjective.)