Being moved

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that, barring a few important exceptions, the phenomenon we refer to using the expression ''being moved'' is a distinct type of emotion. In this paper's first section, we motivate this hypothesis by reflecting on our linguistic use of this expression. In section two, pursuing a methodology that is both conceptual and empirical, we try to show that the phenomenon satisfies the five most commonly used criteria in philosophy and psychology for thinking that some affective episode is a distinct emotion. Indeed, being moved, we claim, is the experience of a positive core value (particular object) perceived by the moved subject as standing out (formal object) in the circumstances triggering the emotion. Drawing on numerous examples, we describe the distinctively rich phenomenology characteristic of the experience as well as the far-reaching action-tendencies and functions associated with it. Having thus shown that the candidate emotion seem to satisfy the five criteria, we go on, in section three, to compare it with sadness and joy, arguing that it should not be confused with either. Finally, in section four, we illustrate the explanatory power of our account of ''being moved'' by showing how it can shed light on, and maybe even justify, the widespread distrust we feel towards the exhibition of 'sentimentality'. On the whole and if we are right, we have uncovered an emotion which, though never or rarely talked about, is of great interest and no small importance. Keywords Being moved Á Emotions Á Sentimentality Á Values 1 Introduction We often say of things (sights, scenes, events, or even works of art) that they ''move us''. In this paper, we try to describe the affective phenomenon that we refer to

Kama Muta: Similar Emotional Responses to Touching Videos Across the United States, Norway, China, Israel, and Portugal

“…The larger picture is, however, that kama muta is predominantly a positive emotion, elicited by a positive appraisal. Our valence results fit several being-moved models that predict being moved to be a predominantly positive emotion (Cova & Deonna, 2014;Hanich et al, 2014;Kuehnast et al, 2014;Tokaji, 2003), yet are at odds with others that see it as predominantly negative (Neale, 1986). …”

“…Cova and Deonna (2014) have theorized that the emergence of positive core values evokes being moved. Menninghaus and colleagues (2015) proposed that being moved is elicited by significant relationship or critical life events that are especially compatible with prosocial norms or self-ideals.…”

Against the odds: human values arising in unfavourable circumstances elicit the feeling of being moved

“…Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that being moved is elicited by core values that emerge from circumstances that are unfavourable to their emergence. This idea has been implied in several recent papers, most explicitly by Cova and Deonna (2014). Until now, however, it still awaited empirical testing.…”

Interpersonal closeness and morality predict feelings of being moved.

“…Other suggested elicitors of being moved can be summarized under the theme of moral acts: generous acts (Claparède, 1930), sacrifice and generosity (Konečni, 2005), prosocial acts (Hanich, Wagner, Shah, Jacobsen, & Menninghaus, 2014), and the emergence of positive core values held by a moral community from negative values (Cova & Deonna, 2014). Haidt and colleagues (Algoe & Haidt, 2009;Haidt, 2003) proposed that observing acts of purity, virtue, or moral beauty causes the emotion elevation, which they note is often called being touched, moved, or inspired.…”

“…The other half see this as an emotional response also to events in which the person herself directly engages or participates (Claparède, 1930;Cova & Deonna, 2014;Darwin, 1890;Hanich et al, 2014;Tan & Frijda, 1999). Thus, it is unclear at current whether the same or different appraisals underlie these two cases.…”