14/08/2025
There are several theories about emotions, their number and their function.
Among the famous theorists is Robert Plutchik, who uses a wheel to identify eight primary emotions. Other, less intense emotions derive from these. Also, the combination of these primary emotions produces secondary emotions.
For Paul Ekman, there are seven primary emotions, which he associates with so-called universal facial expressions.
Despite some controversy, there is a general agreement on six main emotions: joy, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, and surprise. Whether they are perceived as negative or positive, each emotion has its own function. Understanding their origin allows us to understand the need they fulfil.