Opinion is ultimately determined by the feelings, and not by the intellect

Opinion is ultimately determined by the feelings, and not by the intellect

Herbert Spencer, a prominent philosopher and sociologist of the 19th century, believed that opinion is ultimately determined by feelings rather than intellect. Spencer was a strong advocate of the idea that emotions play a significant role in shaping our beliefs and opinions. He argued that our feelings and emotions have a powerful influence on our thoughts and ultimately determine our opinions.

Spencer believed that our emotions are deeply ingrained in our subconscious and often override our rational thinking. He argued that our opinions are often shaped by our emotional responses to certain stimuli, rather than by logical reasoning. According to Spencer, our feelings and emotions are the driving force behind our beliefs and opinions, and they play a crucial role in shaping our worldview.

Spencer's theory on the role of emotions in shaping opinions can be seen in his work on social evolution. He believed that human societies evolve over time through a process of natural selection, much like biological organisms. Spencer argued that our emotions and instincts play a crucial role in this process, influencing our behavior and shaping our social structures.

Spencer's ideas on the role of emotions in shaping opinions have been both praised and criticized by scholars. Some have argued that emotions are indeed a powerful force in shaping our beliefs and opinions, while others have criticized Spencer for downplaying the role of intellect in the formation of opinions.