The connection between emotions and values from "summary" of The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis
In the midst of their sophisticated arguments and debates, the modern educators seem to have overlooked a fundamental truth - the deep connection between emotions and values. They have failed to see that our emotions are not merely random sensations but are deeply intertwined with our understanding of what is good, true, and beautiful. When we feel a sense of wonder at a majestic mountain or are moved to tears by a beautiful piece of music, it is not just a fleeting emotional response but a recognition of something profoundly valuable. Our emotions are not separate from our values; they are, in fact, intimately connected to them. When we feel a sense of moral outrage at an act of cruelty or injustice, it is because we instinctively recognize that such actions violate our deeply held values of compassion and fairness. Our emotions serve as a kind of moral compass, guiding us towards what we believe to be right and good. In the absence of a proper understanding of this connection between emotions and values, the modern educators seek to reduce morality to mere subjective preference. They argue that our values are nothing more than the product of our emotions, and therefore have no objective basis. But this is a dangerous falsehood that threatens to undermine the very foundations of morality and civilization. By divorcing emotions from values, the educators risk turning us into mere creatures of impulse, driven solely by our fleeting desires and passions. They fail to see that our emotions are not just random reactions but are shaped by our values and beliefs. When we feel a sense of guilt or shame, it is because we recognize that we have violated our own moral standards. The connection between emotions and values is not just a philosophical abstraction; it has profound implications for how we view ourselves and our place in the world. When we recognize the intrinsic connection between our emotions and our values, we can begin to cultivate a deeper sense of moral responsibility and integrity. We can learn to trust our emotions as a guide to what is truly valuable and meaningful in life.- The abolition of this connection between emotions and values would be a tragic loss for humanity. It would rob us of our ability to discern right from wrong, good from evil. It is only by embracing the profound connection between our emotions and our values that we can hope to preserve the moral fabric of society and uphold the dignity of the human spirit.
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