How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain

Earlier in her career, the author tried to identify specific “fingerprints” for emotion. Explain how she attempted to do this, and describe the conclusions she drew from her failures.

Barrett writes at length about the brain’s interoceptive network. Describe how this network functions and the role it plays in helping us create and perceive emotions.

The theory of constructed emotion contends that emotions aren’t universal phenomena that all humans experience in the same way. How does Barrett try to disprove the notion of universal emotion? Reference the text in your answer.

The author claims that emotions are concepts we learn from infancy. According to Barrett, how do we acquire these concepts?

Explain Barrett’s position about the connection between language, culture, and emotion concepts, and refer to at least four examples of emotion concepts from other cultures that US English speakers don’t have.

What does Barrett consider the “core ingredients” of being able to process and perceive emotions? Does she believe other animals possess these same ingredients? Why or why not?

Why does Barrett call the brain a “cultural artifact”? What kinds of examples does she offer to demonstrate a culture’s impact on brain wiring? Reference the text in your answer.

Barrett urges an understanding of the significance of the brain-body connection. Why does she believe that our body budgets are so influential in creating our moods and emotions?