Would we be better of without EMOTIONS?

[Lote-Tree]

That doesn't really tell me anymore than the last comment. What is Scientific method (precisely), how does this method establish objectivity?

I'm not being pedantic here, I genuinely am not sure what you mean by this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

[Bii]

I'm not convinced on the issue of objectivity, although I'm not quite sure why (which is quite annoying). Perhaps it's something to do with the fact that in some ways, whilst the method may be sound, the interpretation is still subjective. Like statistics, for example, the numbers might be the numbers but you can say whatever you want with them.

[Lote-Tree]

I'm not convinced on the issue of objectivity, although I'm not quite sure why (which is quite annoying).

With scientific method we have created computers and sent probes to distant planets. If that is not good enough for you then what is?

Scientific Method together with deductive logic is the only way we can verify objectivity. Rest is just subjective experiences of the individual.

[kilted exile]

I think objectivity in the scientific method can best be seen in Francis Bacon's Idols of False Knowledge philosophy. Described very briefly here

[Bii]

With scientific method we have created computers and sent probes to distant planets. If that is not good enough for you then what is?

Scientific Method together with deductive logic is the only way we can verify objectivity. Rest is just subjective experiences of the individual.

Oh I agree, the scientific method works and as a system it's very effective, but not that it's necessarily because it's objective (or otherwise).

Still not entirely sure what it is that makes me feel (aarrggh - emotional decision making!) uncomfortable with this. I'll give it some more thought and come back to you on that one.

It raises an interesting point though. Without emotions would there be intuition?

[Haven]

Hmm, see I'm coming to this site a little late in the day was going to start straight in with emotion but see we have moved on. So, fine with me a little empiricism to kick off...Well trying to stick with the original question, empricism is okay; the theory of knowledge based on experience. My understanding of this concept is based on the ideology of the 17th century
Natural Philosophers Locke, Hooke, Newton et al. Okay so knowledge based on experience and how does that equate to emotion? And even more importantly how does that engage with:

"Would we be better off without emotions?"

Well having developed over a serious period of time a limbic [mammalian] brain, it would appear that there is no choice over having or not having emotions, because it is all tied into our limbic brain which evidently melds the circuitry of the enteric nervous system and the reptilian brain into our sense of emotion. Emotion it is believed, comes prior to thought, and that is exactly where most people run into great difficulty. Our emotional experience is an immediate and primal response that has very little if anything to do with our ability to reason. Thankfully the neo-cortex, takes the 'edge' off those limbic emotions and allows us to be a liitle more goal oriented, abstract and well communicate verbally. So I think the answer has already been given. If emotion does come before thought, then lets face it, we need those emotions badly. Or it would be "Life, but not as we know it, Scotty". [James T. Kirk, Starship Enterprise, Signing off].

http://www.seishindo.org/articles/four-brains.html

[BlueSkyGB]

If we did not have emotions...how could we tell if it were better?
Aren't our emotions the way we use our subjective judgement ?

[Lote-Tree]

If we did not have emotions...how could we tell if it were better?

We use a objective standard. For example you might say it feels 40 degrees outside and someone else would say it feels 30 degrees outside. Objectively we can measure the temperature with a thermometer. Thus problem resolved. No emotions involved.

[Haven]

Emotion it is believed, comes prior to thought, and that is exactly where most people run into great difficulty.

Thermometer? Don't think so, who would have thought of one let alone made one, if as is believed emotion comes prior to thought? Hmm?

http://www.seishindo.org/articles/four-brains.html

[kathycf]

We use a objective standard. For example you might say it feels 40 degrees outside and someone else would say it feels 30 degrees outside. Objectively we can measure the temperature with a thermometer. Thus problem resolved. No emotions involved.

But that is because temperature is a concept that can be measured. How does one measure "better"?

[GrayFoxDown]

No. Emotions are one of the few human traits that separate us from our computers. What could ever emerge from a unemotional existence that wasn't limited to 2+2=4?...and never Why? What Art would exist in this state?: Poetry limited to a calculation of lines and meters; Music to a calculation of notes and scales; etc.. Without the heart's expression and the soul's depth, what would humanity create or enjoy...worthy of humans?

[Lote-Tree]

But that is because temperature is a concept that can be measured. How does one measure "better"?

Depends what "better" you want to measure?

Are green vegetable better for you?

Yes, it is possible to get objective scale measure for this?

Are computers better at controlling the braking system in a car on a icy road or humans?

Yes, we can get an objective scale measure for this?

No. Emotions are one of the few human traits that separate us from our computers.

But humans at the level of DNA are digital replicators.

What could ever emerge from a unemotional existence that wasn't limited to 2+2=4?...

A peaceful world? a "happy" world - unfettered by cheaos of emotions?

What Art would exist in this state?

Circle would still be a circle - a perfection of geometry?

Poetry limited to a calculation of lines and meters
; Music to a calculation of notes and scales; etc.. Without the heart's expression and the soul's depth, what would humanity create or enjoy...worthy of humans?

I have no idea if poetry can exist without emotions. Perhaps without emotions poetry would be redundant and we will find something else to do :-)

[GrayFoxDown]

Then we'll have a world of cyborgs. While this may seem very intellectually entertaining when confined to science fiction stories and related discussions, I'd rather not be a part of it. I suppose I'd be in a similar situation to that of Miles in INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS...a film that once terrified me, and still does as I witness society becoming more and more self-absorbed.

[Lote-Tree]

Then we'll have a world of cyborgs.

I think this will be inevitable. That is the only way we can compete with computers of the future :-)

While this may seem very intellectually entertaining when confined to science fiction stories and related discussions, I'd rather not be a part of it.

To compete with computers I think you will have no choice in that matter :-)

I suppose I'd be in a similar situation to that of Miles in INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS...a film that once terrified me, and still does as I witness society becoming more and more self-absorbed.

LOL :-)

Daleks in the Doctor Who serios terrified the hell out of me aged 8!!!

[GrayFoxDown]

Then, if you're right, I'd welcome my inevitable death and oblivion with open arms. With that, I'll close this exchange. Regards.