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The role of affect in feelings of obligation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 April 2020

Stefen Beeler-Duden
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22903. sjb3px@virginia.eduhttps://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/Social_Development_Lab_3/av8u@virginia.eduhttps://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/Social_Development_Lab_3/
Meltem Yucel*
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22903. sjb3px@virginia.eduhttps://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/Social_Development_Lab_3/av8u@virginia.eduhttps://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/Social_Development_Lab_3/
Amrisha Vaish
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22903. sjb3px@virginia.eduhttps://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/Social_Development_Lab_3/av8u@virginia.eduhttps://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/Social_Development_Lab_3/
*
(corresponding author) nmy2bg@virginia.eduwww.meltemyucel.com

Abstract

Tomasello offers a compelling account of the emergence of humans’ sense of obligation. We suggest that more needs to be said about the role of affect in the creation of obligations. We also argue that positive emotions such as gratitude evolved to encourage individuals to fulfill cooperative obligations without the negative quality that Tomasello proposes is inherent in obligations.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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