Question

Compare and contrast William James’ bodily theory of emotion to Walter Cannon’s theory that the brain is the primary organ of emotion.?

Answer 1

William James theory is also known as James Lange ( developed by James Williams and Carl Lange) theory. William James says that it is our physical reaction which affect our perception and the feeling around at that moment is known as emotion. It depends upon how we perceive this external environment. Suppose while walking we see garden of beautiful roses, we may think of it as beautiful,sere calm ,pleasing to eyes etc. Hence physical reaction needs to be present I order to experience emotion.

Walter Cannon and Philip Bard developed their in theory bin opposition to James Lange theory stating that it is brain which leads to emotions and emotions lead to physical reactions. Such as if in a dark area if we hear some footsteps, immediately something such as someone is following, doubts, suspicious would arise and that would lead to physiology response bsuch as trembling, sweating, shaking, increase in heart beats etc. It is also known as thalmic theory of emotions i.e when thalmus sends message to brain which thereby results in physical reactions