Page:Philosophical Review Volume 5.djvu/219

203 reflexes became less and less necessary for self-preservation. The savage ought then to have quicker reflex action than civilized man. In support of this conclusion the reaction-time of 12 Whites, 1 1 Indians, and 1 1 Africans is given, for auditory, visual, and electric stimulation. The average time for Indians and for Africans is found to be much shorter than for Whites.

In analyzing concrete emotional experiences we find it difficult to say at first, whether we are dealing with emotion, desire, or a fact of interest. If we examine such states as 'Love' and 'hatred,' we shall find all three involved. There is a primary interest, then emotion with desire, and, when desire is realized, interest again. Interest is thus at the beginning and end of both emotion and desire. Analyzing more closely emotion and desire, we find that each involves (1) an intellectual element, (2) an attitude towards or against the stimulus, (3) the swell or drive of feeling, (4) pleasure and pain coloring. In the nature of emotion there is inner strife and yet unity, a lack of equilibrium and a seeking for harmony. When the conflicting elements are finally harmonized and we know what we are going to do, the state passes over into volition. If present action is inhibited, desire or preparedness for action ensues. This 'preparedness' does not 'set' immediately, however, and any new suggestion may bring about the old turmoil. Until the desire is 'set' it may pass back into emotion. When inhibition is removed and the 'set' reaction pours forth, we have deepest interest.

The phrase 'social evolution,' as generally used, implies the assumption that biological conceptions throw some light on social phenomena; it generally implies also that without biological theories and conceptions social phenomena cannot be properly studied, nor social problems scientifically dealt with. It is worth while to