Synthesized answer
The book *Descartes' Error* challenges the long-held scientific view, influenced by Descartes' declaration "I think, therefore I am," that emotions are secondary to reason [Passage 2]. Traditionally, neuroscience has focused on cognitive functions and disregarded emotions [Passage 2].
However, Antonio Damasio argues that emotions are not superfluous but are in fact essential [Passage 1, Passage 2]. The book uses case studies to show that emotions are crucial for rational thinking and normal social behavior [Passage 1, Passage 2].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
g book, Damasio takes the reader on a journey of scientific discovery through a series of case studies, demonstrating what many of us have long suspected: emotions are not a luxury, they are essential to rational ...
Title: Descartes' Error by Antonio Damasio Description: "An ambitious and meticulous foray into the nature of being." -- The Boston Globe A landmark exploration of the relationship between emotion and reason Since Descartes famously proclaimed, "I think, therefore I am," science has often overlooked emotions as the source of a person’s true being. Even modern neuroscience has tended, until recently, to concentrate on the cognitive aspects of brain function, disregarding emotions. This attitude began to change with the publication of Descartes’ Error in 1995. Antonio Damasio—"one of the…