I have learned from Joseph LeDoux that EMOTIONS have an evolution function: they make us give attention.

The neurological pathways that causes this is well defined.

However, when one asks people to give words denoting EMOTIONS the word LOVE is always included.

But, Love does not lead to attention in a way that requires immediate bodily responses.

So, obviously there are more to ' emotions' than simply self-preservation via the fight or flight syndrome.

Damasio taloks about BACKGROUND FEELINGS. This seems to be moods - things affected by the chemical composition in the brain at a point in time. Not requiring immediate reactions from the body. He aligns this with the word MOODS.

But MOOD does not really describe LOVE.

In my next book I really look for the differences between EMOTIONS, MOODS and also what is termed BODILY HOMEOSTASIS. (like 'feeling hungry).

I have searched for explanations (neurological) of the feeling called LOVE.

Here is the best I have found.

Note how Helen Fisher relates it to centers that produce Dopamine and other -amines, and how this then relates to addiction of recreational drugs - and, I will contend, brands.


http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/helen_fisher_studies_the_brain_in_love.html